IIT Bombay Fines Students Rs 1.2 Lakh Over ‘Derogatory’ Play Based On Ramayana

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay fined at least eight students a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh for participating in a play called “Raahovan” during the Performing Arts Festival (PAF) held annually. The amount is almost equivalent to a semester’s fee.

Loosely based on the Ramayana, the play reportedly ignited protests from a section of students who formally complained against it, alleging the play contained “vulgar and derogatory” references to Hindu deities. Some of the students claimed that the play mocked cultural values in the name of “promoting feminism,” according to reports.

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Following the complaints, a disciplinary committee meeting was held on May 8, and the penalties were announced on June 4. The play was staged at the Open Air Theatre on March 31.

While the graduate students were penalised with a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh each and will not be recognised for any gymkhana awards, the junior students were fined Rs 40,000 each along with being barred from availing of the hostel facilities.

The penalties are due on July 20 at the office of the Dean of Student Affairs. The educational institute also warned of further sanctions if the students breached the penalties.

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A group called ‘IIT B for Bharat’ denounced the play on X (formerly known as Twitter). Reacting to the disciplinary action, the group “welcomed” the decision and urged the administration to establish guidelines to “ensure that no religion is ridiculed under the guise of freedom of expression on the campus in any form.” The group also demanded an apology letter from the institution.