IIT Bombay Imposes Rs 1.2 Lakh Fine Each on 8 Students Over Ramayana Play

Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has fined eight students of Rs 1.2 lakh each for staging the play 'Raahovan' during the institute's annual Performing Arts Festival (PAF). The play, loosely based on the Indian epic 'Ramayana', sparked controversy on social media for its perceived derogatory portrayal of Lord Ram and disrespect towards Hindu culture.

In addition to the hefty fine, equivalent to nearly a semester's fee at the prestigious institute, graduating students participating in the play will not receive recognition in the gymkhana awards. Meanwhile, junior students who were involved have been fined Rs 40,000 each and banned from hostel facilities.

The controversy gained traction 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 posted video clips from the performance, alleging that the students misused academic freedom to ridicule revered figures.

The play, which took place on March 31, featured students from various departments and academic years. Videos circulating on social media depicted students performing a play reportedly inspired by characters and plot elements from the Ramayana. One video shows a student, allegedly portraying Sita, expressing admiration for her "kidnapper" and the place where she was taken.

"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 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.”