In a groundbreaking judgment, the Supreme Court of India declared mental well-being part of the Right to Life under Article 21, in response to a case involving the tragic death of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant. The ruling compels educational and coaching institutions to proactively ensure safe psychological environments for students. 

Activists hailed the decision as historic—shifting mental health from a welfare consideration to a legally enforceable entitlement. This also strengthens the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, providing individuals with a constitutionally backed mechanism to pursue redress for mental health violations. 

Now, institutions across the country must integrate proactive mental health interventions, counseling access, and grievance mechanisms to meet their legal obligation. Experts emphasize that this ruling could significantly reduce stigma and recalibrate societal attitudes.