IIT Bombay Levies Rs 1.2 Lakh Fines on Students Over Controversial Ramayana Play, Mocking Hinduism

Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has fined eight students for staging a controversial play titled 'Raahovan,' believed to be a parody of the Ramayana, during the institute's Performing Arts Festival (PAF) on March 31.

A faction of students formally complained against the play, alleging that it was loosely based on the revered Hindu epic Ramayana and contained derogatory references to Hindu beliefs and deities. They claimed the play lampooned the main characters and mocked cultural values under the pretense of "promoting feminism." This led to a disciplinary committee meeting on May 8, with penalties announced on June 4.

The institute imposed fines of ₹1.2 lakh each on four students—an amount almost equivalent to a semester's tuition fee. Four other students were fined ₹40,000 each. Additional sanctions for graduating students included a ban from receiving the institute's gymkhana awards, while junior students were barred from hostel facilities.

The penalties are to be paid by July 20, 2024, at the office of the Dean of Student Affairs. The institute warned that failure to comply would result in further sanctions.

The controversy gained momentum on social media when the 'IIT B for Bharat' group denounced the play on April 8, citing it as a mockery of Lord Ram and the Ramayana. The group shared video clips from the performance, alleging that the students misused academic freedom to ridicule revered figures.

The videos, which went viral, show students presenting a play allegedly inspired by Ramayana characters and settings. In one video, a student purportedly playing Sita praises her "kidnapper" and the place she was taken to.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj)

"We welcome the disciplinary action taken by the IIT Bombay administration against those involved in the play 'Raahovan,' which depicted the Ramayana in a derogatory manner," the group stated on the social media platform X. "We urge the administration to establish guidelines to ensure that no religion is ridiculed under the guise of freedom of expression on campus."

While some groups have supported the institution's decision, others have condemned it as an attack on freedom of expression.

The Performing Arts Festival is an annual cultural event at IIT Bombay, renowned for showcasing student talent in various art forms.