Mon Sep 30 17:21:25 UTC 2024: ## NLU Delhi Faces Crisis as Three Students Die in Three Months, Raising Concerns about Systemic Issues
**New Delhi, India:** The National Law University Delhi (NLUD) is facing a critical situation after the tragic deaths of three students within the span of three months. The latest fatality, first-year student Shah Khushil Vishal, occurred on September 22, following the deaths of third-year student Amrutavarshiny Senthil Kumar on September 4, and another student earlier in the year.
These deaths have sparked outrage among students and alumni, who are demanding accountability from the university administration and highlighting a series of systemic issues plaguing the institution.
Concerns raised by students include:
* **Entrenched caste-based discrimination:** A former student, speaking anonymously, described a pervasive culture of discrimination within the university, citing “patriarchy, misogyny, sexual violence, and caste violence.”
* **Inadequate mental health support:** Students and alumni argue that the university lacks comprehensive support systems to address the mental health struggles of students, particularly amidst academic pressure and a highly competitive environment.
* **Lack of transparency and accountability:** Students claim the administration has been dismissive of their concerns and has failed to conduct thorough investigations into the deaths, instead opting to label them as suicides without proper investigation.
* **Growing commercialization and inequality:** A steep increase in tuition fees has made education inaccessible to many, further exacerbating existing inequalities within the student body.
* **Suppression of critical thinking:** A stifling of free speech and democratic spaces has resulted in a polarized campus environment, further hindering open discussion and dialogue.
The Probe, a digital news platform, obtained a series of emails from Khushil Vishal, which reveal a disturbing narrative of his mental distress and calls for help. The emails suggest that faculty and administration, including the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, were aware of the ongoing issues. However, the university’s response to these pleas has been met with criticism, with many accusing them of inaction and a lack of commitment to addressing the root causes of these tragedies.
The university’s response to these concerns has been underwhelming, with many students and alumni expressing frustration at the lack of concrete action and transparency. The Probe has reached out to the top authorities at NLUD for comment and further details, and this story will be updated as soon as we hear from them.
Given the direct ties of NLU Delhi to the Indian judicial system, with the Supreme Court Justice serving as its Visitor and the Delhi High Court Chief Justice as its Chancellor, the recent deaths have triggered calls for judicial intervention. Students and alumni are demanding a thorough investigation into the systemic failures within the university, along with the implementation of robust support systems to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The focus should be on creating an inclusive environment that combats all forms of discrimination and provides adequate support to students who are struggling.
First Piper 