Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, part of a division bench, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining students’ mental and physical health.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has expressed grave concern over the “alarming” increase in suicides among students in higher education, urging immediate action by the authorities.
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Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, part of a division bench, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining students’ mental and physical health.
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by child rights activist Shobha Panchmukh, who expressed concerns over the increasing number of student suicides. The plea requested the court to direct Mumbai University (MU) to mandate affiliated colleges to employ counselors to address students’ mental health issues.
The PIL pointed out the insufficient measures to prevent suicidal tendencies among higher education students.
“This situation is alarming and requires urgent action by all concerned,”
the bench remarked.
The judges noted that universities are legally obligated under the Maharashtra Universities Act to promote a healthy environment and ensure student welfare at colleges and institutions.
“Universities must take measures to create an atmosphere in colleges and institutions where suicides do not occur,”
the bench stated.
The court also instructed the petitioner to include the University Grants Commission as a respondent, considering the growing autonomy of many colleges. The High Court directed the Maharashtra Government, Mumbai University, and the Higher and Technical Education Department to file affidavits within three weeks.
