Poster targeting Dalits doesn’t attract SC/ST Law: IIT Mandi panel

Says 'poster was not reviewed, approved or endorsed by any authority of the institute. Its content reflects an individual student's own interpretation and does not represent the position or views of the institute'

3 min readUpdated: Sep 14, 2026 10:51 AM IST

The controversy erupted after a photograph and a video purportedly showing the poster displayed during a student-organised Janmashtami programme at IIT Mandi on September 4 were circulated on social media, triggering outrage and criticism of the institute administration.

Over a week after an alleged anti-Dalit poster was displayed at a Janmashtami event on the IIT Mandi campus in Himachal Pradesh, a three-member inquiry committee, constituted by the engineering institute to look into the matter, found “no evidence of any intention to target, insult or hurt any individual or community”.

Notably, following the display of the controversial poster, stating that “Shudras should serve higher classes”, the institute had said that it would refer the matter to the police for a criminal investigation after the conclusion of its internal inquiry.

The inquiry committee, which was assisted by six members of the institute’s reservation cell, also concluded that the display of the said poster did not attract the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

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Instead, the committee, which has submitted its report to IIT Mandi Director Laxmidhar Behera, has recommended that the students involved in the display of the poster should “be counselled and sensitised rather than subjected to disciplinary proceedings”.

Earlier, the registrar of the institute, Dr Kumar Sambhav Pandey, had told The Indian Express, “We have confiscated the purported poster as a piece of evidence. It establishes that the poster was showcased inside the campus. We have decided to forward this matter to the local police.”

Also Read | Casteist poster row: No intention to hurt any community: IIT Mandi probe committee report

A senior faculty member, meanwhile, said that the probe committee drew five principal findings.

“These findings include that the event on September 4 was not organised by the institute, and no officially recognised student body was involved in it. No institute funds were used. The expenses were met through voluntary contributions. The poster was not reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any authority of the institute. Its content reflects an individual student’s own interpretation and does not represent the position or views of the institute,” said the faculty member who confirmed that the involved students were identified.

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“The committee also identified the absence of a clearly defined procedure for organising such events on campus as an institutional gap requiring priority attention,” the faculty member said.

The Left-backed Students’ Federation of India (SFI) had slammed the IIT authority for allowing the holding of religious events on the campus, saying it violated Article 28 of the Constitution, which prohibits religious instruction in fully state-funded institutions.

In June this year, a row erupted after the Department of Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications Centre (IKSMHA) at the IIT Mandi organised a conference on Shri Bhagavad Gita, ayurveda and reincarnation on the campus. A section of scientists and researchers from the institute and outside issued an open letter blaming the institute for forcing the students to attend such events.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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