Supreme Court Seeks Status Report from Centre on Suicide Prevention Efforts

Supreme Court Seeks Status Report from Centre on 

Suicide Prevention Efforts



The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Government to file a status report detailing the measures taken by the Ministry of Health to prevent suicides in the country. The directive came from a bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud during a hearing on Thursday.


PIL Highlights Alarming Suicide Rates Among Adolescents


The order was issued in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal. The petition highlighted a significant concern: more than 400 students under the age of 18 have died by suicide in Delhi alone between 2014 and 2018, as per RTI replies from the Delhi Police.


Urgent Call for Action


The Supreme Court recognized the gravity of the issue, particularly suicides among children, and instructed the Union Health Ministry to inform the court about the steps taken to address this pressing problem. The court has given the Centre four weeks to file a comprehensive affidavit on the measures being implemented.


Suicide: A Preventable Tragedy


Bansal's petition underscores that suicides are preventable and should be treated as a major public health issue. The petition criticizes the existing public health system for failing to provide timely and effective mechanisms to support individuals with suicidal thoughts. It also highlights the stigma surrounding suicide, which creates a social environment where individuals hesitate to seek help.


Global and National Context


Citing the World Health Organization's report, "Preventive Suicide - A Global Imperative," the petition notes that young people are among the most affected by suicide, which is now the second leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 29 globally.


Petitioner's Demands


The petitioner has called for immediate action from both the Centre and State Governments to prevent and reduce suicides within their jurisdictions. The demands include:


- Developing and implementing public health programs for suicide prevention as mandated by Sections 29 and 115 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.

- Establishing call centers and helplines at the state and national levels to provide aid, support, and advice to individuals with suicidal thoughts.


Next Hearing


The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for this case on August 9, 2024, by which time the Centre is expected to have submitted its status report.


Conclusion


This directive from the Supreme Court marks a crucial step towards addressing the urgent issue of suicides in India, particularly among adolescents. The focus on developing effective public health programs and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help is essential for preventing these tragic deaths.

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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