The Supreme Court has called the suicide of a 20-year-old B.Ed student from Odisha’s Balasore district a “shame” and sought suggestions from all stakeholders to empower schoolgirls, homemakers, and rural children, who remain among the most vulnerable and voiceless.
The observation came from a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi during a hearing on a plea that sought pan-India guidelines for creating a safe environment for women, children, and transpersons. The matter was brought to the court’s notice by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association.
“We are in shame and it is unfortunate that these incidents are still taking place,” the bench said. Emphasising the need for a collaborative approach, it added, “We need suggestions from everyone on what concrete steps can be taken to empower schoolgirls, homemakers, children in rural areas. Our directions should have some impact and visible imprint.”
Odisha Self-Immolation Case Sparks National Outcry
Senior advocate Mahalaxmi Pavani, who appeared before the court, said it “takes a calamity for things to change.” She called the Odisha case “institutional murder,” stating that despite reaching out through the helpline and sending letters to authorities, the student received no support. “People are handicapped if they are not aware of online complaint mechanisms,” she said, highlighting the lack of awareness surrounding legal protections and procedures.
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Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee informed the court that a national database of sexual offenders has already been created. Pavani, however, referred to the Kolkata gangrape case involving former student Monojit Mishra, who allegedly had 11 other complaints against him, to point out lapses in enforcement and action.
She told the bench that women calling helplines often face moral lectures rather than police assistance. “There is institutional failure,” Pavani said.
The 20-year-old second-year B.Ed student had accused Assistant Professor Samir Kumar Sahu of repeatedly demanding sexual favours, threatening academic repercussions, and subjecting her to psychological harassment. In her letter dated July 1, she also held the college administration responsible for any self-harm.
On July 12, she self-immolated outside the principal’s office at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College using petrol. She succumbed to her injuries three days later at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, having sustained 95% burns.
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According to the family’s FIR, the college principal, Dilip Ghosh, allegedly told the student she would be ashamed to face anyone and implied she might end her life if she didn’t withdraw her complaint. Both Samir Kumar Sahu and Dilip Ghosh were arrested following the incident.
