Students fined over Ram-Sita play: No one is rusticated, fine won’t be a blot on their career, says IIT director

Claiming that the institute was compassionate, Kedare said there were “many more” things in the play. “They are our students. No one is rusticated. The monetary penalty is because we do not want any blot on their career. Academics will continue for those who are on campus and degrees will be awarded to those passing out,” he said.

However, he did not share anything on the “many more” aspects of the play that were found objectionable by the committee during the inquiry, while adding that it is already in public domain.

The play titled “Raahovan” was performed during the institute’s Performing Arts Festival held in March this year. Action was taken against eight students who were part of the play, after a section of students complained to the institute’s administration, alleging that it mocked Hindu deities. Around 40 complaints were received by the IIT Bombay administration after video clips from the play were circulated on social media.

Justifying the penalty amount, Kedare said that action is taken against a combination of students, including those graduating now. “Since they are going to leave the campus, there cannot be any punishment other than penalty. Hence the amount is high, while those who would continue on campus have to pay a lesser amount and face suspension from the hostel for a certain period,” he said.

When asked about how the disciplinary committee arrived at the amount, Kedare said that it was the decision taken in the proceedings of the disciplinary committee, which follows a procedure. “But students can approach the administration if they have any issues with the punishment or have trouble managing the fine amount. We will see what can be done,” said Prof Kedare.

He continued, “This is a very student-oriented institute. I, too, have been a student here. The door is never closed for students,” said Kedare, adding that no student has approached the administration yet.

He said that the inquiry has been transparent and the students were present during the proceedings by the disciplinary committee. “They know that a complete process has been followed in a transparent manner. Everything is cross-checked. The process is documented,” Kedare said.

Students who are facting the action, however, declined to speak. But the incident has sparked a debate over creative liberty and religious sentiments among students and faculty members on campus.