A first-year undergraduate student of National Law University (NLU), Delhi on Sunday died by suicide.

The student has been identified as Shah Khushil Vishal. In his memory, NLU Delhi has declared September 23 as a non-teaching day.

This marks the second similar incident at the University within a month.

Earlier this month, third year student Amrutavarshiny Senthil Kumar had also passed away by suicide.

Bar & Bench spoke to the NLU Delhi Registrar Prof Ruhi Paul, who emphasised that the well-being of every student is the University’s top priority. She noted that several measures have been implemented to support student health, including the appointment of counsellors, a physician and a nurse.

Additionally, students have 24/7 access to free counseling services through online counselling platform YourDost, she revealed.

Prof Paul also mentioned that the mental health team, currently consisting of two counsellors, is being expanded to provide further support.

"....counselling sessions are completely confidential. We are in consultation with leading psychiatrists for offering consultancy services to our students and staff at no cost to the students/staff," the Registrar said when asked what steps were being taken by NLU Delhi to strengthen mental health support.

Prof Paul further stated that the University has constituted a committee comprising senior faculty members to hold consultations with different stakeholders and to suggest measures to support the well-being of students.

If you or anyone else you know are facing mental health issues or having suicidal or self-harming thoughts, please access the helpline number given below:

iCall - 9152987821 (Health Helpline - Mon—Sat, 10 AM—8 PM. Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, Kashmiri.)

Aasra offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.

24x7 Helpline: 9820466726