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Why in News?
- Invoking its plenary powers under Article 142, the Supreme Court issued nine binding directions to Central and State governments to address the “epidemic” of student suicides and systemic distress in higher education.
SC Guidelines on Student Suicides
- Article 142 Invocation: The Court utilized its extraordinary powers to do “complete justice,” making these directions legally binding on all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) until specific legislation is enacted.
- Mandatory Reporting & Data: Seven of the nine directions mandate rigorous record-keeping; HEIs must report every student suicide or unnatural death to the police and regulatory bodies (UGC, AICTE, etc.), regardless of whether it occurs on campus or in private accommodations.
- Structural Reforms (Vacancies): Identifying faculty shortage as a key stressor, the Court ordered all vacant teaching and non-teaching positions to be filled within four months, and leadership posts (Vice-Chancellors and Registrars) within one month of falling vacant.
- Financial & Institutional Accountability: The Court prohibited barring students from exams or withholding degrees due to scholarship delays, and warned of “institutional culpability” for HEIs failing to follow anti-ragging and anti-discrimination regulations.
