IIT-Bombay imposes stiff fine on 8 students who staged play on Ramayana

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) has fined participants of the play Raahovan Rs 1.2 lakh per student during its annual performing arts festival. The play, loosely inspired by the Indian epic Ramayana, faced severe criticism on social media for allegedly disrespecting Hindu culture and the revered figure of Lord Ram.

In addition to the fine, which approximates a semester's fees at the institution, graduating students involved in the production will not be honoured in the Gymkhana awards. Further disciplinary measures include a Rs 40,000 fine and hostel bans for junior participants.

Staged on March 31 by students across various departments, videos of 'Raahovan' circulated widely, highlighting contentious scenes, including one where spectators hooted over a conversation between the students who played Sita and Lakshman.