IIT Bombay fines 8 students for ‘controversial’ play based on Ramayana.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has imposed financial penalties on 8 students for their performance in a play during the college cultural fest that was alleged to have derogatory references to Hindu mythological figures.
As per the institute, the play titled ‘Raahovan’ staged on March 31 was complained against for loosely borrowing plot elements from the epic Ramayana but portraying its central characters and messaging inappropriately through certain dialogues and scenes.
A disciplinary committee hearing various complaints from student sections concluded the probe on May 8 and fined 4 students INR 1.2 lakh each while the other 4 were charged INR 40,000 individually on June 4. Graduating students also faced restrictions in college activities.
Appreciating the action, one prominent student group had voiced that educational campuses must ensure no religion is disrespected. However, others criticized curbing creative liberty, saying academic spaces should allow the free exchange of views.
While some visuals circulating online were perceived as mocking revered figures, the full context and exact nature of contentious material remains unclear. The fines are reportedly due on July 20, with warnings of more strictness in case of non-compliance.
The issue has reignited debate around balancing cultural sensitivities with permissive expression norms, with both sides presenting compelling viewpoints in an otherwise nuanced, multi-faceted discussion.
