AMIT KUMAR Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By our judgment and order dtd. 24/3/2025, we had clarified the law as regards the mandatory registration of an F.I.R. in the event of disclosure of a cognizable offence and simultaneously, reminded the administration of every educational institution that, it is their unequivocal moral and legal obligation to promptly lodge an F.I.R. with the appropriate authorities, if an incident of suicide occurs on campus.

(2.) While holding so, we had taken note of the disturbing pattern of student suicides being reported from various educational institutions across the country and deemed it necessary to understand what could be the underlying causes contributing to distress amongst students. This was done with a view to propel some affirmative action through the formulation of comprehensive and effective guidelines/strategies that would address the core of the problem and build a robust institutionalized response for ensuring the mental well-being of students studying in Higher Educational Institutions (hereinafter, the "HEIs ").

(3.) In light of the same, a National Task Force (hereinafter, the "NTF ") to address the mental health concerns of students and prevent the commission of suicides in HEIs, was constituted by this Court. Their remit broadly included the (a) identification of the predominant causes leading to the commission of suicides by students; (b) analysis of the existing legal and institutional frameworks along with its (in)adequacies; and (c) recommendations for strengthening protections from a preventive, remedial and reformative perspective, all which ensured inclusivity, accountability and student well-being in HEIs.