(Image source from: PTI)
On Friday, the Supreme Court expressed serious concern to the Rajasthan government regarding the alarming rise in student suicides occurring in Kota. A panel comprised of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan highlighted that 14 suicide incidents had been recorded in the city since the beginning of the year. Justice Pardiwala challenged the state's representative, asking, “What actions are being taken as a state? Why are these tragedies, particularly in Kota, occurring? Have you even considered this issue?” The attorney for the state responded that a special investigation team (SIT) had been established to look into the suicide cases.
The court was discussing the case of a 22-year-old student from IIT Kharagpur, who was discovered dead in his hostel room on May 4, as well as another case involving a girl preparing for the NEET who was found deceased in her home in Kota. The bench was informed that an FIR had been filed regarding the IIT student's death; however, the justices raised concerns about the delay in lodging the FIR, which was registered only on May 8. “Do not trivialize these matters. They are extremely serious," the bench remarked.
The bench referenced a ruling from March 24, which addressed the growing number of student suicides in higher education institutions, creating a national task force aimed at tackling mental health issues among students to avert such occurrences. On Friday, they emphasized the necessity for timely FIR filings in these scenarios, consistent with their prior judgment. “Why did it take four days to file an FIR?” the bench inquired of the police officer present in court. The officer replied that the FIR had been filed and that the investigation was in progress. “Proceed with the investigation in accordance with the law,” the bench instructed.
It was noted that the authorities at IIT Kharagpur promptly informed the police upon learning of the suicide. However, the bench appeared unconvinced by the explanations offered by both the IIT representative and the police officer. “We could adopt a very stringent stance on this matter. We could initiate contempt proceedings against the officer in charge of the relevant police station,” they stated.
The bench then opted not to make any further comments given that the FIR had been filed and the investigation was advancing. They insisted that the inquiry should be conducted swiftly and appropriately. In regard to the suicide case in Kota, the judges expressed their disapproval of the failure to file an FIR. The state counsel indicated that the investigation was ongoing and that the SIT recognized the suicide cases within the state. “What is the total number of young students who have died in Kota to date?” the bench queried. When presented with the number 14, they responded, “Why are these students losing their lives?” They noted that the task force established by the Supreme Court would need some time to deliver a comprehensive report to the court.
"You are disregarding our ruling. Why has the FIR not been filed?" the bench inquired of the attorney representing Rajasthan. They noted that the student had vacated the housing arranged by her institution in November 2024 and began living with her family. "Nonetheless, according to our ruling, it was the responsibility of the local police to file the FIR and conduct the investigation. The officer in charge of the relevant police station has neglected this duty. He has failed to adhere to the orders issued by this court," the bench remarked. Consequently, the bench summoned the police officer responsible for the Kota case to provide clarification on July 14.
