The Bombay High Court has expressed serious concern over the increasing number of suicides among students pursuing higher education, describing the situation as “alarming” and calling for immediate action from relevant authorities. During a session on Tuesday, a division bench consisting of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar underscored the critical importance of both mental and physical well-being in students’ lives.
The court’s statements came while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated by child rights activist Shobha Panchmukh, who pointed to the worrying trend of rising suicides among higher education students. The PIL specifically requested that the court direct Mumbai University (MU) to issue a circular mandating all affiliated and associated colleges to engage qualified counselors to address students’ mental health needs.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the High Court bench remarked on the inadequate current measures to curb suicidal tendencies among students and emphasized the legal obligation of universities to foster a healthy atmosphere conducive to the welfare of students. “Such a situation is alarming and calls for immediate measures by all concerned,” the bench stated.
The court also remarked on the responsibilities of educational institutions under the Maharashtra Universities Act, noting that universities are duty-bound to ensure environments in colleges and institutions where suicides are preventable. To further address the issue comprehensively, the bench directed the petitioner to include the University Grants Commission as a respondent to the plea, considering the increasing autonomy of colleges.
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Additionally, the High Court has requested the Maharashtra government, Mumbai University, and the Higher and Technical Education Department to submit detailed affidavits within three weeks outlining their planned actions and initiatives to tackle this pressing issue.
