On March 24, the Supreme Court issued significant directions concerning the prevention of student suicides in higher education institutions. The judgment underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address mental health concerns among students.The apex court also constituted a National Task Force under the chairmanship of Justice Bhat, along with other experts from various domains as members, to discuss and deliberate on issues related to mental health concerns among students, the prevention of suicides in educational institutions, and to recommend preventive measures.The key areas of focus include identifying predominant causes leading to student suicides, such as academic pressure, discrimination, financial burdens, and the stigma surrounding mental health; analysing the effectiveness of existing student welfare and mental health regulations/policies; and proposing reforms to strengthen institutional frameworks and create a supportive academic environment.The members include Dr Alok Sarin, Consultant Psychiatrist, Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, New Delhi; Prof. Mary E. John (retired), Former Director, Centre for Women’s Development Studies, New Delhi; Arman Ali, Executive Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People; Prof. Rajendar Kachroo, Founder, Aman Satya Kachroo Trust; Dr Aqsa Shaikh, Professor of the Department of Community Medicine in Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, New Delhi; Dr Seema Mehrotra, Professor of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS; Prof. Virginius Xaxa, Visiting Professor at the Institute for Human Development (IHD), New Delhi; Dr Nidhi S. Sabharwal, Associate Professor, Centre for Policy Research in Higher Education, National University of Educational Planning and Administration, New Delhi; and Aparna Bhat, Senior Advocate (as amicus curiae).
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