IIT Delhi will file FIR for every suicide on campus; notifies new protocol

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has adopted a new protocol that will see a First Information Report (FIR) filed with the police every time there’s a suicide or other “unfortunate incidents” meriting an FIR on campus. The decision emerging from IIT Delhi’s “coordination section” and signed by the assistant registrar was sent to all faculty, staff, and students on Wednesday.

The new protocol comes in the light of the Supreme Court’s March order to file FIRs for suicides cases on IIT Delhi campus. It also immediately follows two student suicides on the campus of IIT Khatragpur within 15 days. On May 7, the apex court also sought responses from IITKharagpur and Kota Rajasthan after suicides were reported at both places. They were asked if FIRs were lodged.

Recently at IIT Kharagpur, two students, one from third-year BTech civil engineering and another from fourth-year ocean engineering were found dead on campus. In total, three student suicides have been reported in a semester.

IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur: ‘Legal obligation’

IIT Delhi’s notice states: “The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India vide judgment dated 24.03.2025 passed in Special Leave Petition (Criminal) No. 13324 of 2024 has inter alia held that it is the responsibility of every educational institution to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. In the event of any unfortunate incidents such as suicides occurring on campus, it is the unequivocal duty of the institution to promptly lodge an FIR with the appropriate law enforcement agency. The Court emphasised that such action is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative, crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of justice.”

IIT Kharagpur has also decided to file an FIR on the two deaths, The Telegraph reports. Acting director, Amit Patra, IIT Kharagpur and Director of IIT BHU has also directed the institute to comply with the order of the apex court.

Task force, student suicides

After the Supreme Court’s March judgement, a task force was formulated led by S Ravindra Bhat, a former SC judge of the distinguished panel and started functioning.

This comes after parents of two scheduled caste students filed a petition in apex court.

IIT Delhi in its notice informed that the security officer will handle all the “related correspondence, follow-ups, and communications with law enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities”.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.