IIT Bombay fines students up to ₹1.2 lakh each for play based on Ramayana

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has fined students ₹1.2 lakh each for staging a play called "Raahovan" during the institute's annual performing arts festival. The play, loosely based on the Indian epic 'Ramayana', faced massive backlash on social media for being derogatory to Lord Ram and disrespectful of Hindu culture.

Raahovan was performed on March 31 by students from various departments and years. Videos of the play went viral, showing the audience cheering during a conversation between the characters of Sita and Lakshman. Critics claimed the play showed these characters in a negative light and mocked Hindu culture. Complaints were filed, leading to the formation of a disciplinary committee at IIT Bombay.

After thorough deliberation, the committee decided to impose fines and other disciplinary measures. Graduating students involved in the play were fined Rs 1.2 lakh each, a sum equivalent to a semester's fee at the institute. Additionally, these students will not receive any recognition in the gymkhana awards. Junior students faced a fine of Rs 40,000 each and were banned from hostel facilities.

The institute issued the penalty notice on June 4, following a disciplinary committee meeting on May 8. The fined students were required to pay the amount by July 20, 2024, to the office of the Dean of Student Affairs. Any breach of this penalty would result in further sanctions.

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