New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed grave concerns over the increasing instances of student suicides, particularly at IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University in Greater Noida, directing that investigations into both cases "proceed expeditiously."

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, which is presiding over a matter concerning suicide deaths in educational institutions, sharply questioned the IIT Kharagpur counsel regarding the suicide of a fourth-year mechanical engineering student. "What is wrong with your IIT Kharagpur? Why are students committing suicide? Have you given any thought to this problem? What steps have you taken?" the bench probed. In response, IIT Kharagpur's counsel cited the formation of a 10-member committee and a 12-member counselling centre, though acknowledging the difficulty in identifying troubled students who often do not disclose their issues. The court was informed that the institution lodged the complaint, and the investigation is ongoing.

Addressing a similar tragic incident at Sharda University involving a female student, the bench sternly ordered, "Let the investigation in both the incidents proceed further expeditiously in accordance with law and in the right direction." Senior advocate Aparna Bhat, serving as amicus curiae, apprised the court of the investigation status, revealing that a 30-page report on the Sharda University case indicated a suicide note naming two individuals who have since been arrested. The bench specifically questioned Sharda University's counsel on the delay in informing parents and police, stating, "Was it not your duty to immediately inform the police, inform the parents?" given that the deceased girl's father had to lodge the FIR.

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of these recent student deaths on July 21, requesting a status report from the amicus curiae. This latest intervention underscores the court's serious stance on student suicides in higher learning institutions. In March, the top court had already established a national task force to comprehensively address mental health concerns among students and implement preventive measures. While the task force is actively working on the issue, a preliminary report is expected to take some time. The bench has scheduled the next hearing for four weeks.

With inputs from PTI