In a legal case that is still being decided about students taking their own lives
SubjectWho/What
the Supreme Court of India
The highest judicial body or the top court in India
VerbWhat is happening
has issued
Has officially given or announced
ObjectWhat receives action
nine directions
Nine specific orders or instructions to be followed
AdjunctAdditional info
to Central and State governments
To the national government in Delhi and the governments of all Indian states
Context and Background
Supreme Court
In January 2026, the Supreme Court issued nine binding directions based on a National Task Force report. These include mandatory reporting of suicides, filling faculty vacancies within four months, and ensuring 24/7 medical support for students in higher education institutions.
Sentence 2 of 19
English Original
Recognising the massification of higher education front-ended by privatisation without a commensurate boost in quality,the Courthas taken note ofstudent distress covering financial, social, social injustice and academic issues.
Recognising the massification of higher education front-ended by privatisation without a commensurate boost in quality
Understanding that college education has expanded to many people mainly through private colleges, but the quality of education did not improve at the same rate
SubjectWho/What
the Court
The Supreme Court of India
VerbWhat is happening
has taken note of
Has observed, acknowledged, or paid attention to
ObjectWhat receives action
student distress covering financial, social, social injustice and academic issues
The mental and emotional suffering of students caused by money problems, social pressure, unfairness, and study-related stress
Sentence 3 of 19
English Original
The Courthas invokedArticle 142 of the Constitutionandseven of the nine directionsrelate torecord-keeping, reporting, and tracking suicides in higher education institutions (HEI) separately.
A special power in the Indian Constitution that allows the Supreme Court to pass any order to ensure ‘complete justice’
SubjectWho/What
seven of the nine directions
Most of the orders (7 out of the total 9) given by the Court
VerbWhat is happening
relate to
Are about or connected with
ObjectWhat receives action
record-keeping, reporting, and tracking suicides in higher education institutions (HEI) separately
Maintaining proper files, informing the police, and following the data of student deaths in colleges specifically
Context and Background
Article 142 of the Indian Constitution
Article 142 provides the Supreme Court with a unique power to pass any decree or order necessary for doing ‘complete justice’ in any case. It allows the Court to go beyond existing laws if they are insufficient to solve a problem, as seen here in addressing student suicides.
Sentence 4 of 19
English Original
Two directivesorderthe filling of the posts of Registrars and Vice-Chancellors as well as all vacant faculty positions.
Reports from journalists who are visiting the actual locations to find the truth
VerbWhat is happening
shows
Proves, indicates, or makes clear
ObjectWhat receives action
that many public HEIs, especially universities, report 50% vacancies
That many government-run colleges and universities have half of their teaching and staff positions empty
Sentence 7 of 19
English Original
The University of Madrasisa case studyas it is the premier State-administered HEI in Tamil Nadu — a State which leads the nation in enrolment in higher education and with a stellar record in women’s education.
One of the oldest and most famous universities in India, located in Chennai
VerbWhat is happening
is
Acts as a link between the university and its description
ComplementCompletes meaning
a case study
A specific example used to study and understand a bigger problem
AdjunctAdditional info
as it is the premierState-administered HEI in Tamil Nadu — a State which leads the nation in enrolment in higher education and with a stellar record in women’s education
Because it is the top government-run university in Tamil Nadu, a state that has the highest number of college students in India and is very good at educating women
Context and Background
Higher Education in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has one of the highest Gross Enrolment Ratios (GER) in higher education in India, often exceeding 45%, which is much higher than the national average. The University of Madras, established in 1857, is one of the three oldest modern universities in India.
Sentence 8 of 19
English Original
With such a storied legacy,the universitywas known forquality researchbesides awarding degrees in affiliated colleges through examinations.
The part of the university that focuses on discovering new knowledge and doing scientific studies
VerbWhat is happening
is
Acts as a link to describe the condition
ComplementCompletes meaning
just aboutfunctional
Barely working or only just performing its basic tasks
Sentence 12 of 19
English Original
Itboasts ofcentres for advanced studies such as in philosophy, botany and mathematics,butthesearea shadow of their original selves.
Simple PresentCompound Sentence (S+V+O + but + S+V+C)Main ClausesCompound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
SubjectWho/What
It
The University of Madras
VerbWhat is happening
boasts of
Proudly claims to have or shows off
ObjectWhat receives action
centres for advanced studies such as in philosophy, botany and mathematics
Special departments for high-level learning in subjects like thinking, plants, and numbers
SubjectWho/What
these
The special study centres mentioned earlier
VerbWhat is happening
are
Acts as a link to describe their current state
ComplementCompletes meaning
a shadow of their original selves
Much weaker or less impressive than they used to be in the past
Sentence 13 of 19
English Original
Today,the humanities, science-based and social science research focused on Tamil Nadu, that the government can leverage from its public universities,has been givenshort shrift.
The process of choosing and hiring the heads of universities
VerbWhat is happening
have been stalled
Have been stopped or delayed from moving forward
AdjunctAdditional info
by a recalcitrantGovernor
By a Governor who is being stubborn and refusing to cooperate
Context and Background
Governor
In India, the Governor of a state usually acts as the Chancellor of state-run universities. This role includes appointing Vice-Chancellors. Conflicts between state governments and Governors often lead to delays in these appointments, as seen in Tamil Nadu and other states.
Sentence 15 of 19
English Original
The ambiguity thrown in by the Court on the Presidential reference on a Governor’s powersmay need to be resolvedbefore Vice-Chancellor vacancies can be quickly filled.
The ambiguity thrown in by the Court on the Presidential reference on a Governor’s powers
The confusion or lack of clarity caused by the Court’s recent statements about what a Governor can and cannot do
VerbWhat is happening
may need to be resolved
Might have to be cleared up or settled
AdjunctAdditional info
before Vice-Chancellor vacancies can be quickly filled
In order for the empty university head positions to be occupied soon
Sentence 16 of 19
English Original
Filling faculty positionswould have to followUGC process that takes at least six months and a budgetary commitment that may be helped with Union government support.
Dishonest behavior and hiring people based on their political beliefs instead of their skills
VerbWhat is happening
have affected
Have had a bad influence on or changed
ObjectWhat receives action
quality
The standard of education and research
VerbWhat is happening
need to be addressed
Must be dealt with or solved
Sentence 19 of 19
English Original
Although the four-month schedule prescribed by the Court might seem daunting,the orderisa call to action to fulfil the basic requirements of a robust public higher education systembefore goals such as Viksit Bharat can be seriously aspired for.
Although the four-month schedule prescribed by the Court might seem daunting
Even though the four-month time limit given by the Court looks very difficult to achieve
SubjectWho/What
the order
The Supreme Court’s instructions
VerbWhat is happening
is
Acts as a link to describe the purpose of the order
ComplementCompletes meaning
a call to action to fulfil the basic requirements of a robust public higher education system
An urgent request to do what is necessary to make the government college system strong and healthy
AdjunctAdditional info
before goals such as Viksit Bharat can be seriously aspired for
Before we can truly hope to achieve big dreams like a ‘Developed India’
Sentence 1 of 19
Sentence 1 of 19
In an ongoing case relating to student suicides,the Supreme Court of Indiahas issuednine directionsto Central and State governments.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In an ongoing case relating to student suicides
In a legal case that is still being decided about students taking their own lives
Subject
the Supreme Court of India
The highest judicial body or the top court in India
Verb
has issued
Has officially given or announced
Object
nine directions
Nine specific orders or instructions to be followed
Adjunct
to Central and State governments
To the national government in Delhi and the governments of all Indian states
Sentence 2 of 19
Recognising the massification of higher education front-ended by privatisation without a commensurate boost in quality,the Courthas taken note ofstudent distress covering financial, social, social injustice and academic issues.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Recognising the massification of higher education front-ended by privatisation without a commensurate boost in quality
Understanding that college education has expanded to many people mainly through private colleges, but the quality of education did not improve at the same rate
Subject
the Court
The Supreme Court of India
Verb
has taken note of
Has observed, acknowledged, or paid attention to
Object
student distress covering financial, social, social injustice and academic issues
The mental and emotional suffering of students caused by money problems, social pressure, unfairness, and study-related stress
Sentence 3 of 19
The Courthas invokedArticle 142 of the Constitutionandseven of the nine directionsrelate torecord-keeping, reporting, and tracking suicides in higher education institutions (HEI) separately.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The Court
The Supreme Court of India
Verb
has invoked
Has used or called upon a specific legal power
Object
Article 142 of the Constitution
A special power in the Indian Constitution that allows the Supreme Court to pass any order to ensure ‘complete justice’
Subject
seven of the nine directions
Most of the orders (7 out of the total 9) given by the Court
Verb
relate to
Are about or connected with
Object
record-keeping, reporting, and tracking suicides in higher education institutions (HEI) separately
Maintaining proper files, informing the police, and following the data of student deaths in colleges specifically
Sentence 4 of 19
Two directivesorderthe filling of the posts of Registrars and Vice-Chancellors as well as all vacant faculty positions.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Two directives
Two specific orders out of the nine given by the Court
Verb
order
Command or instruct officially
Object
the filling of the posts of Registrars and Vice-Chancellors as well as all vacant faculty positions
Appointing people to the empty administrative and teaching jobs in universities
Sentence 5 of 19
Evidently,the Courtseesthese stepsas critical to student well-being.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Evidently
Clearly or obviously, based on the facts
Subject
the Court
The Supreme Court of India
Verb
sees
Considers, believes, or understands
Object
these steps
The actions ordered by the Court, such as filling job vacancies
Complement
as critical to student well-being
As being extremely important for the health and happiness of students
Sentence 6 of 19
Across India,ground reportageshowsthat many public HEIs, especially universities, report 50% vacancies.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Across India
In all parts of the country
Subject
ground reportage
Reports from journalists who are visiting the actual locations to find the truth
Verb
shows
Proves, indicates, or makes clear
Object
that many public HEIs, especially universities, report 50% vacancies
That many government-run colleges and universities have half of their teaching and staff positions empty
Sentence 7 of 19
The University of Madrasisa case studyas it is the premier State-administered HEI in Tamil Nadu — a State which leads the nation in enrolment in higher education and with a stellar record in women’s education.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The University of Madras
One of the oldest and most famous universities in India, located in Chennai
Verb
is
Acts as a link between the university and its description
Complement
a case study
A specific example used to study and understand a bigger problem
Adjunct
as it is the premier State-administered HEI in Tamil Nadu — a State which leads the nation in enrolment in higher education and with a stellar record in women’s education
Because it is the top government-run university in Tamil Nadu, a state that has the highest number of college students in India and is very good at educating women
Sentence 8 of 19
With such a storied legacy,the universitywas known forquality researchbesides awarding degrees in affiliated colleges through examinations.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
With such a storied legacy
Having such a long and famous history full of great achievements
Subject
the university
The University of Madras
Verb
was known for
Had a reputation for or was famous for
Object
quality research
High-level scientific or academic study that discovers new information
Adjunct
besides awarding degrees in affiliated colleges through examinations
In addition to giving certificates to students in connected colleges after they pass their exams
Sentence 9 of 19
Teachingbecamean important componentin the late 1970s,butin the last decade,its declinehas beenpronounced.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Teaching
The act of giving lessons to students (as opposed to just doing research)
Verb
became
Started to be or turned into
Complement
an important component
A major or significant part of the university’s work
Adjunct
in the late 1970s
During the years close to 1980
Adjunct
in the last decade
During the last ten years
Subject
its decline
The worsening or falling standards of teaching
Verb
has been
Has continued to be up to now
Complement
pronounced
Very noticeable or clearly seen
Sentence 10 of 19
No new faculty appointmentshave been madeandthe teaching strengthishalf of the sanctioned strength.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
No new faculty appointments
No new teachers or professors being hired
Verb
have been made
Have happened or been completed
Subject
the teaching strength
The actual number of teachers currently working in the university
Verb
is
Acts as a link to the current number
Complement
half of the sanctioned strength
Only 50% of the total number of teachers that the government has allowed the university to have
Sentence 11 of 19
The university’s research componentisjust about functional.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The university’s research component
The part of the university that focuses on discovering new knowledge and doing scientific studies
Verb
is
Acts as a link to describe the condition
Complement
just about functional
Barely working or only just performing its basic tasks
Sentence 12 of 19
Itboasts ofcentres for advanced studies such as in philosophy, botany and mathematics,butthesearea shadow of their original selves.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
The University of Madras
Verb
boasts of
Proudly claims to have or shows off
Object
centres for advanced studies such as in philosophy, botany and mathematics
Special departments for high-level learning in subjects like thinking, plants, and numbers
Subject
these
The special study centres mentioned earlier
Verb
are
Acts as a link to describe their current state
Complement
a shadow of their original selves
Much weaker or less impressive than they used to be in the past
Sentence 13 of 19
Today,the humanities, science-based and social science research focused on Tamil Nadu, that the government can leverage from its public universities,has been givenshort shrift.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Today
In the present time
Subject
the humanities, science-based and social science research focused on Tamil Nadu, that the government can leverage from its public universities
The studies about history, science, and society related to Tamil Nadu, which the government could use to improve the state
Verb
has been given
Has received or been treated with
Object
short shrift
Very little attention or consideration; being ignored
Sentence 14 of 19
Vice-Chancellor appointmentshave been stalledby a recalcitrant Governor.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Vice-Chancellor appointments
The process of choosing and hiring the heads of universities
Verb
have been stalled
Have been stopped or delayed from moving forward
Adjunct
by a recalcitrant Governor
By a Governor who is being stubborn and refusing to cooperate
Sentence 15 of 19
The ambiguity thrown in by the Court on the Presidential reference on a Governor’s powersmay need to be resolvedbefore Vice-Chancellor vacancies can be quickly filled.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The ambiguity thrown in by the Court on the Presidential reference on a Governor’s powers
The confusion or lack of clarity caused by the Court’s recent statements about what a Governor can and cannot do
Verb
may need to be resolved
Might have to be cleared up or settled
Adjunct
before Vice-Chancellor vacancies can be quickly filled
In order for the empty university head positions to be occupied soon
Sentence 16 of 19
Filling faculty positionswould have to followUGC process that takes at least six months and a budgetary commitment that may be helped with Union government support.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Filling faculty positions
The process of hiring new teachers and professors
Verb
would have to follow
Must go through or obey
Object
UGC process that takes at least six months and a budgetary commitment that may be helped with Union government support
The rules of the University Grants Commission which take half a year, and a promise of money that might come from the central government
Sentence 17 of 19
Availability of qualified facultycan bea hurdle.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Availability of qualified faculty
The presence of enough teachers who have the right degrees and skills
Verb
can be
Has the potential to be
Complement
a hurdle
An obstacle or a problem that must be overcome
Sentence 18 of 19
Corruption and political-ideological appointmentshave affectedqualityandneed to be addressed.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Corruption and political-ideological appointments
Dishonest behavior and hiring people based on their political beliefs instead of their skills
Verb
have affected
Have had a bad influence on or changed
Object
quality
The standard of education and research
Verb
need to be addressed
Must be dealt with or solved
Sentence 19 of 19
Although the four-month schedule prescribed by the Court might seem daunting,the orderisa call to action to fulfil the basic requirements of a robust public higher education systembefore goals such as Viksit Bharat can be seriously aspired for.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Although the four-month schedule prescribed by the Court might seem daunting
Even though the four-month time limit given by the Court looks very difficult to achieve
Subject
the order
The Supreme Court’s instructions
Verb
is
Acts as a link to describe the purpose of the order
Complement
a call to action to fulfil the basic requirements of a robust public higher education system
An urgent request to do what is necessary to make the government college system strong and healthy
Adjunct
before goals such as Viksit Bharat can be seriously aspired for
Before we can truly hope to achieve big dreams like a ‘Developed India’
Reading Comprehension
Practice questions based on this editorial
Reading Comprehension - Crisis in Higher Education
Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the Supreme Court's directives on student suicides and the state of higher education in India.
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