SC raps IIT-Kharagpur, Sharda University over student suicides

Expressing serious concern over recent instances of suicides at IIT-Kharagpur and Sharda University, Greater Noida, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the investigation in both cases to be conducted expeditiously.

“What is wrong with your IIT-Kharagpur? Why students are committing suicide? Have you given a thought to this problem? What steps have you taken?" a Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan asked the IIT-Kharagpur counsel.

The top court, which has been hearing a PIL over suicide deaths at educational institutions, posted the hearing after four weeks.

On July 21, the SC took suo motu cognisance of the students' deaths in both these institutes and asked the amicus to submit a status report with regard to the incidents. It had taken a serious note of students' suicide in institutions of higher learning and in March, set up a national task force to address mental health concerns of students and prevent such incidents.

Regarding suicide of a female student at Sharda University, it ordered, “Let the investigation in both the incidents proceed further expeditiously in accordance with law and in the right direction.”

Referring to a 30-page status report on the Sharda University case, senior advocate and amicus curiae Aparna Bhat said a suicide note was found naming two persons who were arrested. As the Bench asked if an FIR was registered in the case, Bhat replied in the affirmative.

When Bhat said the father of the deceased girl lodged the complaint, the Bench asked, “How did the father come to know that his daughter has committed suicide? Who informed the father?... Why are you not complying with our directions? We have delivered a full-fledged judgement. We are doing it for our children, for our progeny... Was it not your duty to immediately inform the police, inform the parents?” the Bench told the Sharda University counsel.

IIT-Kharagpur's counsel said a 10-member committee was constituted besides a 12-member counselling centre being in place.