The Delhi High Court says institutes should care more about students mental health than just grades, especially after tragic incidents at IIT Delhi.
The Delhi High Court, with Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar in charge, looked into the sad problem of students taking their own lives at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. They specifically focused on two students who were from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. The court’s decision brings attention to the mental health crisis in schools and colleges. It also emphasizes that it’s important to have a fair and thoughtful approach when it comes to students’ academic success and their mental health.
Justice Bhatnagar, in his comments, shared his understanding and sympathy for the grieving parents. He said, “This Court can feel the emotions of the parents of the deceased and strongly discourages the increasing trend of putting too much pressure on young minds to excel in every aspect, which unfortunately leads them to take unfortunate steps.” He stressed the crucial role of teachers and staff in offering support and guidance to students, emphasizing the significance of counseling and motivation.
“It is of utmost priority to make the young minds understand that though scoring good marks and performing your best is important but it is not the most important thing in life and one can certainly give his/her best without succumbing to the pressures or stress of performing better,”
Justice Bhatnagar added.
The parents in the case claimed that the faculty and staff at IIT Delhi discriminated against their children based on their caste. They accused the faculty of protecting those responsible and also claimed that the police were involved in this by not properly looking into the matter. The parents argued that both the police and the IIT administration were intentionally delaying the investigation, causing important evidence to be lost. The parents requested the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) in the case.
The Delhi Police had a different viewpoint, suggesting that the main reason for the suicides was likely academic pressure. They told the court that both students who passed away were facing difficulties in their studies, failing in multiple subjects, and may have felt overwhelmed by the pressure to do well, ultimately leading to their tragic decision to take their own lives.
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This decision highlights the ongoing discussion about the mental health challenges in India’s top educational institutions. It emphasizes the need for a fundamental change in how people view academic success and the urgent requirement for strong support systems to assist students in handling the pressures of academic life. The case also raises questions about how effectively current systems address issues like caste-based discrimination and whether the mental health support in educational settings is sufficient.
The Delhi High Court’s decision not only deals with the immediate issues raised by the petitioners but also sends a strong message to educational institutions nationwide. It highlights the need to put students’ mental health and well-being first, emphasizing that it’s more important than just focusing on academic success. The ruling calls for a kinder and more supportive atmosphere in education. This decision is a move towards recognizing and tackling the mental health difficulties that students encounter in high-pressure academic environments. It sets the groundwork for more inclusive and supportive educational approaches in the times ahead.
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