IIT Bombay Fines ₹1.2 Lakh on Students for 'Derogatory' Play on Ram, Sita

IIT Bombay Fines Students for 'Derogatory' Play on Ram, Sita

Incident Overview

IIT Bombay has recently imposed significant fines on students involved in a play titled "Raahovan", which was performed during the institute’s Performing Arts Festival on March 31, 2024. The play, which was a reinterpretation of the Ramayana, sparked controversy among a section of students who felt it was disrespectful to Hindu deities Ram and Sita. As a result, the institute has taken disciplinary action against eight students, including fines and other penalties.

Details of the Fines and Penalties

Total Fine Amount: Rs 1.2 lakh per student for four graduating students.
Additional Fines: Rs 40,000 per student for four undergraduate students.
Other Penalties: Undergraduates are also required to vacate their hostel accommodations.

Timeline of Events

March 31, 2024: The play "Raahovan" was staged at IIT Bombay’s open-air theatre.
April 8, 2024: The campus group 'IIT B for Bharat' criticized the play on social media, claiming it mocked the Ramayana.
May 8, 2024: IIT Bombay's Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) convened to address the complaints.
June 4, 2024: The institute issued penalty notices to the students involved.

Reasons for the Disciplinary Actions

The play was criticized for its portrayal of Ram, Sita, and Laxman, with some students alleging it contained derogatory references to Hindu beliefs. The 'IIT B for Bharat' group, which upholds Indic civilisational values, led the protests against the play. They claimed the play misused academic freedom to ridicule sacred figures from the Ramayana.

Responses and Reactions

IIT Bombay Administration: Declined to comment on the specifics of the penalties.
'IIT B for Bharat': Welcomed the disciplinary actions, emphasizing the need to respect religious sentiments.
Involved Students: While they declined to speak publicly, their associates confirmed the fines and expressed disappointment that dialogue efforts with the administration failed.

Points Summary

Incident: Play "Raahovan" at IIT Bombay deemed disrespectful to Ramayana.
Action: Fines of Rs 1.2 lakh for graduating students, Rs 40,000 for undergraduates, and hostel eviction.
Timeline: Play staged on March 31, complaints in early April, disciplinary meeting in May, fines issued in June.
Reactions: Administration silent, 'IIT B for Bharat' supportive, students disappointed.

Summary :

The controversy surrounding the play "Raahovan" at IIT Bombay highlights the tension between artistic freedom and religious sensibilities. While the institute's actions have been welcomed by some for upholding respect towards religious figures, others view the penalties as a suppression of creative expression. This incident underscores the ongoing debate on how academic institutions navigate the fine line between freedom of expression and respect for cultural and religious sentiments.