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New Delhi, May 29, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Rajasthan government over the alarming rise in suicides among NEET aspirants in Kota, calling the situation “serious” and demanding immediate, effective action. The apex court’s intervention comes in the wake of 14 reported student suicides in Kota so far this year, highlighting the intense academic pressure on students preparing for competitive exams.
Court Questions State’s Accountability
A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan questioned the Rajasthan government’s accountability in protecting students. “Why are these children dying by suicide, and only in Kota? What is the state doing?” Justice Pardiwala asked, stressing the urgent need for government intervention.
The court was hearing petitions related to student suicides, including the case of a NEET aspirant who died by suicide while living with her parents in Kota. Despite previous Supreme Court directions mandating immediate registration of FIRs in such cases, the police failed to act promptly, drawing sharp criticism from the bench.
Police and State Actions Under Scrutiny
Following the recent death of an 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Jammu & Kashmir, the Kota City Police registered an FIR for abetment of suicide only after the Supreme Court’s reprimand. The bench made it clear that the formation of Special Investigation Teams (SITs) alone was insufficient, stating, “Mere formation of SITs is not enough. Children are dying. This needs immediate and effective action.”
The court also reviewed the case of a 22-year-old IIT Kharagpur student who died by suicide, noting procedural delays in FIR registration. The bench warned that such lapses could attract contempt proceedings and reiterated the need for prompt police action as per its March 24 verdict, which also called for a national task force on student mental health.
Summons and Future Action
Given the circumstances, the Supreme Court has summoned the police officer responsible for the NEET aspirant’s case in Kota to appear before the court on July 14 to explain the delays and lack of action. The bench emphasized that the police must comply with court directives and that any failure to do so would be taken seriously.
National Task Force and Ongoing Investigation
The court referred to its earlier decision to establish a national task force to address recurring student suicides in higher educational institutions and to recommend measures for improving student mental health. The Rajasthan government’s counsel informed the court that investigations are ongoing and that the SIT is aware of the suicide cases, but the bench remained unconvinced by the state’s response.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues as of May 29, 2025. The content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. For further details or updates, please refer to official court documents or statements from the authorities involved. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek help from a qualified professional or contact a suicide prevention helpline.
