SC criticizes Rajasthan over rise in student suicides in Kota

The Supreme Court on May 23 raised deep concern over the alarming rise in student suicides in Kota, Rajasthan, questioning the state government’s response and labeling the situation as “serious.”

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan observed that 14 student suicides have already been reported from the coaching hub this year.

“What are you doing as a state? Why are these children dying by suicide, and only in Kota? Have you not given it a thought as a state?” Justice Pardiwala asked the counsel representing Rajasthan.

The state’s counsel informed the court that a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to look into the growing number of suicide cases.

The apex court was hearing two related cases—one involving the suicide of a 22-year-old IIT Kharagpur student found hanging in his hostel room on May 4, and another concerning a NEET aspirant who ended her life in Kota while living with her parents.

While an FIR was registered in the IIT Kharagpur case, the court took note of the delay in filing the report, which was lodged only on May 8.

“Don’t take these things lightly. These are very serious things,” the bench remarked, pointing to the SCr’s earlier ruling on March 24 that set up a national task force to address mental health challenges and reduce student suicides.

“Why did you take four days to lodge an FIR?” the bench asked the police officer present in court. The officer responded that the investigation was ongoing.

“You continue with the investigation in accordance with law,” the bench directed.

The court was also informed that IIT Kharagpur authorities had notified the police only after the student's death.

However, the bench expressed dissatisfaction with the justifications provided by both the police and the institute’s legal counsel.

“We could have taken a very strict view of the matter. We could have even proceeded for contempt against the police officer in charge of the jurisdictional police station,” the bench said, although it refrained from further action since the FIR had been filed.

In the Kota case, the bench criticized the lack of an FIR and pressed the Rajasthan counsel for answers.

The court reiterated the importance of following its March verdict that required timely FIR registration in such matters.

“You are in contempt of our judgment. Why have you not registered the FIR?” the bench questioned.

It was also noted that the student in question had moved out of her institute’s housing in Nov 2024 and was staying with her parents at the time of her death.

The bench said, “However, in line with our decision, it was the duty of the police concerned to register the FIR and carry out the investigation. The officer in charge of the concerned territorial police station has failed in his duty. He has not complied with the directions issued by this court.”

The court has now summoned the police officer involved in the Kota case to appear before it on July 14 to explain the delay and provide further clarification.