The Bombay High Court has expressed alarm over the increasing number of student suicides in Maharashtra and has demanded urgent action from relevant authorities. During a hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) addressing inadequate facilities to prevent such incidents, Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar emphasized the need for immediate measures to address the issue.

The bench highlighted the critical importance of students' mental well-being and instructed the state government, University Grants Commission (UGC), and Mumbai University (MU) to submit affidavits outlining their plans to combat the crisis. The court underscored the university's responsibility to create a supportive environment that prevents suicides.

The PIL was filed by child rights activist Shobha Panchmukh, who requested that Mumbai University appoint two teachers or professors from affiliated colleges as counselors. These counselors would address mental health issues and promote well-being among students.

Advocate Shyam Panchmukh, representing the petitioner, cited various reports on rising student suicides in Maharashtra, with figures increasing annually. According to data presented in Parliament from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), student suicides rose from 1,487 in 2019 to 1,834 in 2021.

The petition also called for Mumbai University to publicize the contact details of trained counselors and their roles on college websites, notice boards, and admission materials. Additionally, it requested that colleges conduct orientation programs at the start of each academic year to introduce students to counselors.

The court directed the petitioner to include the UGC as a respondent to ensure the issue is addressed more broadly. Mumbai University assured that it would issue a circular in compliance with the 2016 Act, which mandates colleges to have nodal officers for student well-being, though such a mechanism is not currently in place.

The court requested replies from the respondents within three weeks, followed by a rejoinder from the petitioner within a week, and scheduled further hearings for a month later.