Ayush Ashna was found dead on 08.07.2023 in his Hostel Room in Udaigiri Hostel, IIT, New Delhi. Anil Kumar was found dead on 01.09.2023 in his Hostel Room No. in Vindhyanchal Hostel, IIT Delhi. Police closed the matter saying, Ayush and Anil were unable to cope with pressure of their respective studies and in such circumstances both committed suicide.
Such conclusion may as well be correct. However, we say, such a conclusion could have been arrived at only after following due process of law, i.e., registration of F.I.R. and investigation. Over a period of time, Court has emphasized necessity of ensuring prompt registration of F.I.R. to uphold rule of law and prevent any undue delay in commencement of criminal investigation. We direct DCP (South-West District, New Delhi) to register First Information Report.
In light of the concerns expressed, a National Task Force, to address mental health concerns of students and prevent commission of suicides in Higher Educational Institutions, is to be constituted.
– Hon’ble Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Hon’ble Justice R. Mahadevan, Amit Kumar v. Union of India, [Criminal Appeal No. 1425 of 2025].
