Investigative inquiry by CBI into the demise of a NEET candidate, coupled with nationwide advice on mental healthservices.
Supreme Court Issues Mental Health Guidelines for NEET Exam and Student Suicide Investigation
In a landmark ruling on 25th July 2025, the Supreme Court of India recognized mental health as an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. This ruling, known as Sukdeb Saha v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Others (2025 INSC 893), was prompted by the suspicious death of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant in a hostel in Andhra Pradesh.
The Supreme Court has set aside the High Court's order and ordered the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The Court found lapses in the local investigation and emphasized the necessity of an impartial probe.
In addition to ordering the CBI investigation, the Court has also laid down binding mental health guidelines for all educational institutions, coaching centres, and student-centric environments across India. These guidelines aim to fill a legislative and regulatory vacuum concerning student mental health and suicide prevention.
The "Saha Guidelines" provide a detailed framework to prevent student suicides and ensure institutional accountability within educational and coaching setups. The guidelines apply to the NEET exam and its associated institutions, as well as schools, colleges, coaching centres, and hostels across the country.
The Court acknowledged a significant legislative gap in mental health protections for students and addressed it through judicial guidelines. The CBI probe is expected to be more impartial and thorough than the local investigation, which the Court found deficient.
The mental health guidelines issued by the Supreme Court aim to address the mental health needs of students preparing for and taking the NEET exam. The guidelines complement the work of the National Task Force on Mental Health and require states and Union Territories to notify the rules within two months. They also mandate the formation of district-level monitoring committees.
This ruling reflects an important development both in the recognition of mental health as a constitutional right and in procedural fairness through the transfer of sensitive investigations to the CBI. The investigation into the student's death is ongoing and requires a subscription to access.
- The mental health guidelines issued by the Supreme Court extend to not only the NEET exam but also schools, colleges, coaching centers, and hostels, emphasizing the need to address the mental health needs of students in these environments.
- In line with the Sukdeb Saha guidelines, science and health-and-wellness, including mental health, are integral to promoting student well-being and preventing instances of student suicide, especially during high-pressure times like the NEET exam preparation.
