IIT Bombay has stirred controversy by fining eight students for staging a play called 'Raahovan' during its Performing Arts Festival. The play, purportedly a satirical take on the Ramayana, faced backlash from students who accused it of disrespecting Hindu beliefs and deities.
The disciplinary action, announced on June 4 following complaints and a committee meeting, imposed hefty fines of ₹1.2 lakh on four students, amounting to almost a semester's tuition fee. Another four students were fined ₹40,000 each. Graduating students faced additional penalties, including bans from receiving institute awards, while junior students were barred from using hostel facilities. The fines must be paid by July 20, with warnings of further consequences for non-compliance.
Criticism against the play gained traction on social media, with the 'IIT B for Bharat' group condemning it for allegedly mocking Lord Ram and the Ramayana. Videos from the performance circulated online, showing scenes that offended sentiments by satirizing cultural values under the guise of promoting feminism.
The disciplinary measures have sparked a heated debate on campus and beyond, with some applauding the institute's stance on religious sensitivity while others argue it stifles artistic freedom and expression in educational settings.