Row over ‘separate place’ for vegetarian students at IIT Bombay hostel mess

However, the general secretary of the hostel in an email to all the residents has clarified that there is no designated separate sitting space for vegetarian students. However, acknowledging that such instances have been brought to notice, the email states, “we have received reports of individuals forcefully designating certain areas of the mess as ‘Jain sitting space’ and removing individuals who bring non-vegetarian food to sit in those areas.”

The email dated July 15, continues, “We would like to remind everyone that such behaviour is unacceptable and goes against the values of mutual respect and tolerance that we strive to uphold in our community. No student has the right to remove another student from any area of the mess on the grounds that it is reserved for a particular community.” It also added that stringent action will be taken in case such an instance is repeated. The institute administration, however, has refrained from commenting on the issue.