Gangtok: The state government of Sikkim has formally directed all media outlets operating within the state to adhere meticulously to national guidelines concerning the reporting of suicide incidents. This directive aims to ensure responsible and sensitive coverage of such delicate matters.
The official notification, issued by the Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department, was disseminated on April 10, 2025, from Metro Tadong, Gangtok. The advisory serves as a strong reminder to media organizations about their obligations under the Programme Code of the Cable Television Network Rules and the Norms of Journalistic Conduct established by the Press Council of India. These nationwide regulations are specifically crafted to promote ethical and considerate reporting, particularly in situations involving suicides.
The IPR Department emphasized that both the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Press Council of India have previously issued explicit guidelines on the appropriate manner of reporting suicide cases in the media. These established protocols stress the importance of avoiding any form of sensationalism and upholding the privacy and dignity of both the deceased individual and their grieving families.
In a significant move to bolster mental health awareness and suicide prevention efforts, all media houses in Sikkim are now mandated to prominently feature Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers within their reports. The designated helpline numbers that must be included are the toll-free (24×7) number 1800-345-3225 and the landline number 03592-202111. These crucial contact details are provided by the Health and Family Welfare Department and are actively promoted by the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority as part of their ongoing mental health awareness campaign under the NALSA Scheme 2015, which focuses on extending legal and mental health support to individuals facing mental illness and disability.
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