Supreme Court forms National Task Force to check rising student suicides
New Delhi: In response to the alarming rise in student suicides across higher educational institutions, the Supreme Court has formed a National Task Force (NTF) to devise effective measures to prevent such tragedies and tackle the underlying mental health issues.
A two-judge bench, comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, instructed the Delhi Police to register an FIR following the complaints of the families of two students who tragically died by suicide while studying at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, in 2023. The top court ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest District) to ensure the FIR is filed and assign an officer not below the rank of Assistant Police Commissioner for investigation, as reported by The New Indian Express on Tuesday.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Supreme Court directed the formation of the NTF, which will be led by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat. The Task Force has been given four months to submit a comprehensive report identifying the root causes of student suicides and to propose strategies to strengthen preventive measures.
The apex court emphasised that these tragedies highlight a critical need for a robust, comprehensive, and responsive mechanism that addresses the multifaceted pressures students face. It further underscored that failing to establish such a mechanism would signify a failure in fulfilling the true purpose of education, which is to uplift, empower, and transform lives, the report added.
It further stressed that authorities, including the NTF, should not only exercise authority over students but also offer vital support during times of crisis. The bench lamented the loss of countless young students with immense potential who could have grown into successful professionals contributing to the nation's progress.
It also referenced the 210th report of the Law Commission of India, which identified suicide as a significant factor in the premature loss of life. The bench pointed out the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2021 revealed a grim reality: over 13,000 students died by suicide, nearly double the number recorded a decade ago.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
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Malayalam actor Rajesh Keshav in ICU after cardiac arrest
Kochi (PTI): Malayalam actor Rajesh Keshav is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after suffering a cardiac arrest on August 24, hospital sources said on Wednesday.
The 47-year-old actor, known for notable roles in various films and TV shows, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night after collapsing at a city hotel.
He was first taken to the Emergency Department and successfully revived through immediate resuscitation, the hospital said in a statement.
Keshav was then shifted to the Cath Lab, where an emergency angioplasty was performed, it said, adding that he had suffered a prolonged cardiac arrest, which resulted in a moderate hypoxic injury.
The Neuro Wing is closely monitoring his neurological recovery, and encouraging signs of progress are being observed, they explained.
"At present, he remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under advanced life support," the statement said.
His condition is serious but showing gradual improvement, with a multidisciplinary team of doctors actively involved in his treatment, it added.
