Penalties, hostel suspensions relaxed for some IIT Bombay students who participated in controversial play

While the institute’s administration did not confirm the particulars of the relaxed punishment, it did not deny that it has been revised. Director of the institute, professor Shireesh Kedare said, “A committee was set and different decisions have been taken depending upon the cases.” He did not specify the revisions made to the punishments.

The play titled Raahovan was performed in the open air theatre of the institute during its performing arts festival held in March this year. The action was taken in June following recommendations by a disciplinary committee which convened a meeting on May 8 to address complaints regarding the play.

A day after the news about the heavy penalty imposed on students was out, the institute’s director had said that students could appeal to the authorities with their difficulties. A section of students had complained to the institute’s administration, alleging that the said play mocked Hindu deities. Around 40 complaints had been received by IIT Bombay administration after video clips from the play were circulated on social media. Another section of students had expressed concern against the punishment stating the play was a feminist reinterpretation of the Ramayana with character names and the storyline altered and there was no objection from the audience or the judges when it was performed.

The institute had referred to the disciplinary action committee’s (DAC) rules, which listed disciplinary actions under three categories – major, intermediate and minor — in case the rules were breached.

According to the rules, “loss of hostel residence facility for a definite period of time” is recommended under the category of major offences. “A monetary penalty for having indulged in breach of conduct” is mentioned under the category of intermediate offences. “It does not specify the amounts as per the offences. It is at the complete discretion of the DAC,” said a student from the institute.