'Adequate Steps Taken For The Present': High Court Closes PIL To Probe Student Suicides At NLU Delhi

The Delhi High Court has recently closed a public interest litigation petition seeking constitution of an independent inquiry committee comprising of experts to investigate the causes behind student suicides at National Law University (NLU) Delhi.

While disposing of the PIL, a division bench comprising of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Shalinder Kaur said that "adequate steps" have been taken by NLU Delhi "for the present".

The PIL was filed by Aditya Singh Tomar concerning the incidents of suicides of three students at the varsity this year. The plea sought a direction on NLU Delhi to establish and enforce mental health policies in accordance with national guidelines and UGC regulations.

The counsel appearing for the varsity told Court that the causes of the incidents in question have been investigated and no direct nexus with NLU Delhi or its curriculum was found.

Furthermore, the counsel submitted that an emergent meeting of varsity's Governing Council was held on October 19 and various measures were agreed to be taken so that timely detection can be made and similar incidents can be prevented.

While disposing of the plea, the Court said: “Having considered the above, we are of the opinion that adequate steps have been taken by the respondent no. 2 for the present. We do not, therefore, deem it appropriate to issue further directions in this petition at this stage”.

The bench also said that if Tomar finds that adequate remedial measures are not taken or implemented, it shall be open to him to approach the Court for further relief.

The PIL sought a direction on the varsity to set up 24/7 mental health counselling services, peer support networks and regular mental health check-ups for students.

It also said that the university administration must held accountable for any lapses and order appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased students.

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. Abhishek Sharma, Mr. Parvinder Singh Sandhu and Mr. Arun Shukla, Advs. with petitioner in person

Counsel for Respondents: Mr. Kirtiman Singh, CGSC with Mr. Waize, Mr. Maulik Khurana, Mr. Ranjeev Khatana and Mr. Varun Pratap, Advs.for R-1; Mr. Sanjay Vashishtha, St. counsel with Ms. Vasudha Saini and Ms. Harshita Rai, Advs. for NLUD/R-2

Title: ADITYA SINGH TOMAR v. UNION OF INDIA & ANR.

Click here to read order