IIT Madras Controversy: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has been put under scrutiny after students claimed that the institute administration instructed them to delete Instagram videos showing solidarity with the ongoing Jantar Mantar protests. They also said, that they were refused permission for a calm, peaceful gathering on campus, which led to quite a bit of back and forth.
What Sparked The IIT Madras Controversy?
According to students associated with ChintaBAR, a recognised independent student body at IIT Madras, the group had sought permission on July 20 to organise a peaceful campus gathering in support of students protesting alleged examination irregularities, including concerns over NEET-UG, UGC-NET, paper leaks, examination cancellations and re-tests. The organisers said the proposed event would be non-political, peaceful and would not disrupt academic activities.
However, students claim they were called for a meeting with senior institute officials after submitting the request.
Jantar Mantar Protest: Pizzas, Langar And Golgappas Fuel Student Demonstration
Why Were Students Allegedly Asked To Delete The Videos?
According to accounts shared by members of ChintaBAR, institute officials allegedly told them to remove an Instagram video that was posted on July 17 and it showed IIT Madras students expressing solidarity with demonstrators at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Students say the officials mentioned some worries, like how these kinds of actions could affect the institute’s ties with the Central government and in turn damage IIT Madras’ public standing. They also claimed they were basically told that campus protests could “tarnish” the institution’s reputation. After the meeting, the student body said it went ahead and removed the video and it also notified other students about the reason via internal communication channels.
It is important to remember that these claims are coming from students. As of publication, IIT Madras has not put out a detailed public reply that specifically addresses the allegations about taking down the Instagram video.
Reports also say that yet another set of BTech and MTech students, asking for permission for what was described as a related get together, got a refusal too. Instead officials reportedly told them to place their worries in writing about examination reforms and accountability.
Students Still Gathered Even After The Refusal
Even with the administration decision, more than 150 students reportedly showed up at Himalaya Lawns on the IIT Madras campus. They gathered to signal support for students taking part in the nationwide protests focused on examination transparency, and accountability. Media reports suggest that the meet stayed peaceful for the entire time.
This IIT Madras episode is unfolding alongside protests across the country tied to alleged exam irregularities, including NEET-UG and UGC-NET. At the same time, the agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar is still ongoing. The dispute has started drawing notice from students at multiple educational institutions, and it has reportedly even reached the Supreme Court.
