Chennai: After the Union Human Resource Development Ministry directed IIT-Madras to ban a discussion forum critical of the Narendra Modi government, the university's principal has issued a clarification. The Dean said that the group was banned as they misused the institute's name and it has not curtailed anyone's freedom of expression.
"Students should follow guidelines prepared by board of students. IIT madras doesn't curtail freedom of expression. They should adhere to guidelines. They can't use name of IIT Madras in any capacity to publicise their activities without official permission. This group violated guidelines," the Dean said.
The university has also issued a statement saying "IIT doesn't curtail freedom of expression. There are guidelines. Dean of students asked to present their stand. They will be given an opportunity to present their position."
The Ambedkar Periyar Student Circle at IIT-Madras was banned from holding the event after the HRD Ministry received an 'anonymous' complaint against the event.
It is alleged that the forum tried to mobilise students from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes against Modi government's policies propagating Hindi and banning cow slaughter. The student group had claimed that they were denied a chance to present their case by the IIT authorities.
"We distributed pamphlets which criticised caste system. Our stand did not go well down with some upper caste students," a student said.
The complaint said, "The student group 'Ambedkar Periyar' is trying to de-align SC-ST students. They are creating hatred among students and against the PM and Hindus. We believe that this group is politcally motivated and is getting funds and encouragement from outside organisations."
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