SC Orders States to Regulate Coaching Centres Within Two Months

July 26, 2025 - The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to implement regulations for coaching centres within two months. These regulations must include mandatory provisions for registration, student protection and a grievance redressal mechanism. The Court also ordered the formation of district-level monitoring committees headed by the District Collector to oversee the implementation, inspection and complaint resolution related to these centres.

Addressing the issue of student suicides, the Court instructed all educational institutions to adopt and implement a uniform mental health policy aimed at suicide prevention. Additionally, the Central Government has been asked to submit an affidavit within 90 days detailing the compliance status, coordination with States, monitoring mechanisms and a timeline for a national task force report on student mental health.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan High Court has expressed displeasure over the lack of legal provisions to prevent student suicides in coaching centres. The Court directed the State Government to strictly enforce the Central Government's guidelines and the provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) until a State law is enacted. Coaching institutes have also been asked to report on measures they have taken to prevent student suicides. The next hearing is scheduled after three weeks.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Chandra Prakash Shrimali issued these directions on Friday July 25 while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation. Senior advocate and amicus curiae Sudhir Gupta pointed out that even the Centre's guidelines are not being implemented. Advocate General Rajendra Prasad said a Bill is currently under consideration by a select committee of the State Assembly.

The Rajasthan High Court emphasised that until a State law is passed, Central Government guidelines must be strictly enforced.

Key Measures Directed by Court:

• All educational institutions must adopt a uniform mental health policy, updated annually.
• Institutions with 100 or more students must appoint at least one qualified counsellor, psychologist or social worker.
• Counsellor availability should be proportionate to the number of students.
• Avoid actions that may cause public embarrassment related to student performance.
• Set up mental health and suicide prevention helplines.
• All teaching and non-teaching staff must undergo training with counsellors at least twice a year.
• Establish reporting mechanisms for incidents such as sexual harassment, ragging, and bullying. Institutions will be held accountable for failure to act in time.
• Organise seminars and awareness sessions for parents, focusing on students' mental health and reducing pressure.
• Maintain records of awareness activities and submit annual reports to educational regulators like UGC, AICTE and CBSE.
• Promote extracurricular activities, including sports.
• Conduct regular reviews of exam patterns.
• Provide career counselling in all academic institutions, including coaching and training centres.
• Ensure residential campuses are free from harassment, bullying and drug abuse.
• All residential institutions must implement safety mechanisms on rooftops, balconies and other vulnerable areas.

Source: Media Reports