Supreme Court Slams Rajasthan Over Rising NEET Aspirant Suicides in Kota

New Delhi: The Supreme Court recently raised grave concerns over the alarming number of student suicides in Kota, especially among NEET aspirants, calling the situation “serious.” A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan questioned the Rajasthan government’s accountability, urging swift action amid reports that 14 students have died by suicide in Kota so far this year.

"Why are these children dying by suicide, and only in Kota? What is the state doing?" Justice Pardiwala asked the state’s counsel, emphasising the government’s responsibility to protect students burdened by academic pressure.

The court was hearing petitions related to student suicides, including the case of a NEET aspirant who was found hanging in her room in Kota, where she lived with her parents. Despite earlier Supreme Court directions mandating the immediate registration of FIRs in such cases, the police had failed to do so, prompting the bench to express strong disapproval.

In a related development, Kota City Police on Tuesday registered an FIR for abetment of suicide following the recent death of an 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Jammu & Kashmir. The student died by suicide on Sunday, and the FIR was filed after the Supreme Court reprimanded the state government and Kota police for delays and negligence in handling such cases.

The state’s counsel informed the court that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe student suicides, but the bench remained unconvinced. "Mere formation of SITs is not enough. Children are dying. This needs immediate and effective action," the justices said.

The court also examined the case of a 22-year-old IIT Kharagpur student, who was found hanging in his hostel room on May 4. Although the institution informed local authorities the same day, the FIR was registered only on May 8, raising questions about procedural delay. The bench warned that such lapses could attract contempt proceedings and said that police must comply with the court’s March 24 verdict, which directed prompt FIR filing and the establishment of a national task force to tackle student mental health issues.

"Don't take these things lightly. These are very serious things," the bench said.

On Friday, the bench said a prompt filing of the FIR was necessary in such cases in line with the verdict.

"Why you took four days to lodge an FIR?" the bench asked a police officer concerned, present in court.

The officer said the FIR was lodged and the investigation in the case was underway.

"You continue with the investigation in accordance with law," the bench told him.

Given the circumstances, the bench has summoned the police officer responsible for the NEET aspirant’s case in Kota to appear before the court on July 14 and provide an explanation for the delay and lack of action.

Also Read:Another NEET tragedy in Kota: 18-year-old Aspirant from JnK commits suicide

In the Kota suicide case, the bench disapproved non filing of the FIR.

The state's counsel said the investigation in the case was ongoing and the SIT was aware of suicide cases in the state.

"How many young students have died so far in Kota?" the bench asked the counsel.

After the counsel said 14, the bench retorted, "Why are these students dying?"

It said the task force constituted by the apex court would take its time before giving a composite report to the court.

"You are in contempt of our judgement. Why have you not registered the FIR?" the bench asked Rajasthan's counsel.

The bench said the student was not residing in the accommodations provided by her institute, which she left in November 2024 and started living with her parents.

"However, in line with our decision, it was the duty of the police concerned to register the FIR and carry out the investigation. The officer in-charge of the concerned territorial police station has failed in his duty. He has not complied with the directions issued by this court," the bench said.

The bench, as a result, summoned the police officer concerned in the Kota case on July 14 to explain the situation.

The bench referred to a March 24 verdict of the top court which took note of recurring cases of student suicides in higher educational institutions and formed a national task force to address the mental health concerns of students and prevent such incidents.

Also Read:Hours before NEET 2025, Aspirant commits suicide in Kota