New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has stirred controversy by imposing a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh on a student involved in a play titled “Raahovan” during its Performing Arts Festival held in March. The play, loosely based on the Ramayana, has sparked protests among certain students who allege it was disrespectful to Hinduism and portrayed Lord Ram and Sita in a derogatory manner.IIT, Bombay 📍A play making fun of Ramayana titled Raahovan was organised in PAF (Performing Arts Festival).Dear @MumbaiPolice,Raahovan mocked Shri Ram, Devi Sita & Shri Lakshman.Not acceptable. Action must be taken!!!CC: @Dev_Fadnavis @ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/OUXwLOVaVQ— Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) April 6, 2024 Blasphemy-IIT Bombay staged a play Raahovan mocking Lord Ram & portrayed #Ramayana in a vulgar & derogatory manner on 31st March 2024.I am highlighting just two scenes--Lord Ram and Maa Sita physically assaulting each other.-Maa Sita expressing happiness on… pic.twitter.com/seIRnQb2ML— SK Chakraborty (@sanjoychakra) April 8, 2024Seven faced disciplinary action Alongside the hefty fine issued to one student, at least seven others have also faced disciplinary action, although specific details about the penalties remain undisclosed. The institutes spokesperson declined to comment when approached by The Indian Express regarding the matter.IIT issued penalty notice Ranked as Indias top institution in the global QS rankings for 2025, IIT Bombay issued the penalty notice on June 4 following deliberations by a disciplinary committee convened on May 8 in response to complaints about the play. The committee recommended punitive measures after hearing from the concerned student. The notice stipulated that the fine must be paid by July 20, 2024, at the office of the Dean of Student Affairs. Additionally, the student is barred from receiving any recognition from the institutes gymkhana awards, with further sanctions threatened in case of non-compliance.Controversy escalated further The controversy escalated further when the penalty notice was leaked on social media by IIT B for Bharat, a campus group advocating for Indic civilisational values. The group had previously protested against the play and welcomed the institutes disciplinary actions.Eight students have discplinary measures While the affected students declined to comment directly, their peers confirmed the imposition of fines earlier this month. According to sources, eight students involved in the play have faced disciplinary measures, with graduating students reportedly receiving more severe fines compared to those continuing their studies.Ramayana modified character The play, described by some as a feminist reinterpretation of the Ramayana with modified character names and storyline, was performed at IIT Bombays open-air theatre on March 31. Criticism against the play surfaced on April 8 through social media posts by IIT B for Bharat, alleging mockery of Lord Ram and the revered epic.IIT Bombays disciplinary actions, while not unprecedented, have sparked debates over academic freedom and cultural sensitivity within the campus community.
