IIT Bombay Students Face Rs 1.2 Lakh Fine Each for Staging Parody of Ramayan  

Mumbai: Eight of its students have been fined by the authorities of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for staging a controversial play titled ‘Raahovan’, a parody of Ramayana, during the institute’s Performing Arts Festival (PAF) on March 31. The Performing Arts Festival is an annual cultural event at IIT Bombay.

A section of students had formally complained against the play. They alleged that this parody on the epic Ramayana had derogatory references to Hindu beliefs and deities. The complaints led to a disciplinary committee meeting on May 8. On June 4, penalties were announced.

The authorities of IIT Bombay have imposed fines of Rs 1.2 lakh each on four students. It is almost same as a semester’s tuition fee. Four other students were fined Rs 40,000 each. Graduating students faced additional sanctions, including a ban from the institute’s gymkhana awards given to students. Junior students were debarred from hostel facilities.

The penalties are to be paid on July 20, 2024, at the office of the Dean of Student Affairs of the institute. Non-payment of this penalty would result in further sanctions.