Issuance of 15 National Guidelines to Reduce a Rising Incidence of Student Suicides by the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of India has issued a series of 15 binding interim guidelines to address the rising crisis of suicides and mental health issues among students in educational institutions and coaching centers across the country. These guidelines, issued on July 25, 2025, are mandatory until appropriate legislation or regulatory frameworks are enacted [1][2][3][5].
At the heart of these guidelines is the adoption of a uniform mental health policy by all educational institutions. This policy is based on the "UMMEED" draft guidelines, the "Manodarpan" initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Institutions with 100 or more students must appoint or engage at least one qualified counsellor or psychologist, and all staff members must undergo mental health training twice a year [1][5].
Special attention and safeguards are given to students from marginalized and vulnerable groups, including SC, ST, OBC, EWS, LGBTQ+, disabled, and those who have experienced trauma [1]. States are required to regulate coaching centers within two months with stricter mental health measures, especially in high-risk cities like Kota and Hyderabad [1].
The Court emphasizes that failure to address mental health risks could lead to institutional culpability and legal consequences [1]. The guidelines apply broadly to schools, colleges, coaching centers, and similar student-centric environments, filling a legislative and regulatory vacuum for unified enforceable suicide prevention measures [2][3][5].
Other key provisions include the establishment of mechanisms for reporting, redressal, and prevention of incidents involving sexual assault, harassment, ragging, bullying, and discrimination based on various factors. A zero-tolerance policy for retaliatory actions against complainants or whistle-blowers has been mandated. Access to high-risk areas in residential institutions should be restricted, and all educational institutions must establish formal referral linkages with external mental health professionals if they have fewer than 100 students [1].
The Supreme Court's decision was in response to an appeal against the Andhra Pradesh High Court's order. The matter has been posted for further hearing on October 27 [4]. The Centre has been directed to file a compliance affidavit within 90 days, detailing the steps taken to implement the guidelines and the monitoring systems established [1].
These interim guidelines stemmed from the Supreme Court’s recognition of growing student suicides and mental health challenges and will remain in force until formal legislation is introduced [1][2][3][5].
[1] The Hindu, "Supreme Court Issues Guidelines to Address Mental Health Issues and Suicides in Educational Institutions", July 25, 2025. [2] India Today, "Supreme Court Orders Formation of National Task Force for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention", July 25, 2025. [3] NDTV, "Supreme Court Directs Formation of National Task Force for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention", July 25, 2025. [4] Bar and Bench, "Supreme Court to Hear Appeal Against Andhra Pradesh High Court Order on July 27", July 25, 2025. [5] Live Law, "Supreme Court Directs Centre to File Affidavit on Implementation of Mental Health Guidelines Within 90 Days", July 25, 2025.
Science plays a pivotal role in the formulation of the "UMMEED" draft guidelines, the "Manodarpan" initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy, which form the basis of the mental health policy adopted by educational institutions as per the Supreme Court's interim guidelines. To improve the overall health-and-wellness of students, these guidelines require all staff members to undergo mental health training twice a year.
