<h1>Supreme Court orders 15 mental health guidelines to curb rising student suicides in educational institutions</h1> The Supreme Court recognized the rising student suicide rates as indicative of systemic failure and mandated comprehensive measures to address the mental health crisis in educational institutions nationwide. Citing official data showing a significant increase in student suicides, including those linked to examination failures, the Court issued 15 guidelines requiring institutions to maintain optimal student-to-counselor ratios, provide dedicated mental health support, and conduct mandatory staff training on psychological first aid and sensitivity towards vulnerable groups. Institutions must establish protocols for immediate mental health referrals, display suicide prevention helpline numbers prominently, and form committees to address harassment and provide psychosocial support. The Court also emphasized integrating mental health education into curricula, reducing academic burden, and ensuring safe, harassment-free campuses. The government was directed to submit a compliance affidavit within 90 days, including timelines for implementing recommendations from a National Task Force on student mental health.