The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has fined a student Rs 1.2 lakh, nearly equivalent to a semester’s fee, for participating in a controversial play titled “Raahovan” during the institute’s Performing Arts Festival in March. The play, loosely based on the Ramayana, led to protests from some students who claimed it was disrespectful to Hinduism and derogatory towards Ram and Sita.
Moreover, at least seven other students faced disciplinary actions and fined Rs 40,000 each, a TOI report stated.
The institute issued the penalty notice on June 4 after a disciplinary committee meeting on May 8 addressed complaints about the play, where the student in question participated in deliberations. Based on these discussions, the committee recommended punitive measures.
The notice stated the Rs 1.2 lakh fine is due by July 20, 2024, at the office of the Dean of Student Affairs. Additionally, the student is barred from receiving recognition from the institute’s gymkhana awards.
The notice was shared on X by an account named ‘IIT B for Bharat’, a campus group that claims to advocate for “Indic civilisational values”. The group, which had earlier protested against the play, welcomed the institute’s actions. “The play depicted the Ramayana in a derogatory manner. These students misused academic freedom to ridicule Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lord Laxman,” read the group’s post.