IIT Bombay has stirred national debate by imposing fines on eight students who staged the infamous play – Raahovan. The controversial play was performed on 31st March 2024 during the institute’s Performing Arts Festival. The play uses a hideous creative license to depict the characters of Ma Sita, Bhagwan Ram, and Lankapati Ravan in a manner that mocks Hindu religious beliefs. While some laughed at the objectionable way the play was acted out, it sparked outrage among other more devout students. Thankfully, the play participants will now pay a fine as punishment. Let’s talk!
IIT Bombay Play That Sparked Outrage
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
The play ‘Raahovan’ reinterpreted the Ramayana from a feminist perspective. However, it was far from exploring the hardships of the female characters in the legend. The play entirely focused on creating a spiteful representation.
Their artistic privilege was used to refer to Hindu deities in a hurtful and derogatory manner.
Thus, some students found the portrayal offensive and lodged a formal complaint with the institute. The complaint stated that the play insulted Hindu beliefs. The creators portrayed Bhagwan Ram as a ‘devil.’ Inappropriate language and gestures were used for characters like Ma Sita, and Lord Laxman. A video of the play went viral and soon social media took up the cause. Netizens were shocked at the play and its content! Hence, the media played a big role in putting pressure on the disciplinary committee.
Fines And More – Disciplinary Action Taken By IIT Bombay
IIT Bombay’s Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) took swift action. On 8th May 2024, the DAC decided on punitive measures. On 4th June 2024, the institute announced the following penalties:
- Fines of ₹1.20 lakh each for the four graduating students
- A fine of ₹40,000 each for the four undergraduates
- The undergraduates were also ordered to vacate their hostel accommodations.
As per reports, the committee observed that the group was informed that the content should not hurt sentiments.
However, the students took the words of caution lightly. Consequently, their actions and the play injured the religious sentiment of fellow students, violated the college atmosphere, and brought shame to the institute. Thus, it seems that the DAC took the complaint seriously and punished the responsible students. The fines and punishments signal that freedom of speech has limits, especially when it infringes on the religious sentiments of others.
Freedom of Speech vs. Responsibility of Actions
This incident has ignited a critical debate about the boundaries of artistic expression. While creativity and free speech are essential for societal growth, they should not come at the expense of offending religious beliefs. Students at IIT Bombay, a premier institute, are well aware of these sensitivities.
Their decision to stage such a provocative play shows a misuse of artistic license, possibly believing their elite status would shield them from repercussions.
Unpopular opinion, but joking on religious beliefs should be covered in freedom of speech.
Either we have freedom of speech, or not, shouldn't be based after the statement had been spoken.
Very bad decision by @iitbombay to charge students for a play #raahovan
— Rahini Sharma (@rahinisharma_09) June 21, 2024
Social media has erupted with divided opinions. Critics of the fines argue that the institute stifles free speech. Some detractors comment that IIT Bombay faculty should understand free speech concepts better. Others blamed the institute for allowing the play without proper review.
Excellent Action by IIT Bombay.
Students who demean Hinduism shud be booked with FIR. These students will be the next generation Anti-Social & Anti-National Elements. They shud be punished without mercy. Well Done @iitbombay 👏#RespectHinduism #IITBombay #Raahovan @ABVPMumbai https://t.co/1oR9IuxxxS— Prof Shrinath Rao K 🇮🇳 (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ProfSRK) June 20, 2024
Conversely, many supported the fines stating that it will ensure that others will think twice before trying a similar stunt. Respect for religious sentiments should be taught at all levels of education. Art should not be used to hurt or laugh at others’ social sentiments. Restrictions are justified when despite warning the youth chooses a path of deliberate violation of the rules or the emotions of others.
Striking A Balance
The IIT Bombay faculty has imposed just the right amount of fines. They are significant but not crippling. They serve as a deterrent, reminding students that status as a student of an elite institute does not grant the freedom to malign. If such actions go unpunished, IIT Bombay risks becoming another JNU or Aligarh University, where academic freedom is sometimes misused to promote anti-national or culturally insensitive narratives.
The controversy at IIT Bombay completely Symbolizes the ongoing debate over the limits of free expression and the responsibilities accompanying it.
While balancing freedom and responsibility is difficult, it is not impossible. Thus, the IIT Bombay controversy serves as a crucial reminder: that freedom of expression is not absolute. It carries the weight of responsibility, especially when it touches the delicate threads of tradition, religion, heritage, and culture. Hopefully, this lesson will be learnt well by this generation of IIT students!