IIT Bombay, ranked highest among Indian institutions in the global QS rankings in 2025, has imposed a fine of Rs 1.2 lakh on a student who took part in a play titled “Raahovan” during the institute’s Performing Arts Festival in March. The play, loosely based on the Ramayana, triggered protests from some students who claimed it was disrespectful to Hinduism and derogatory towards Ram and Sita.
While at least seven other students were penalized, the exact nature of the disciplinary action and the amount of the fines could not be confirmed. When questioned by The Indian Express about the institute’s actions, an IIT Bombay spokesperson declined to comment.
The penalty notice was issued on June 4, following a disciplinary committee meeting on May 8 to address complaints about the play. The student involved participated in the meeting, and based on the “deliberations,” the committee recommended punitive measures.
According to the notice, the Rs 1.20 lakh fine was due on July 20, 2024, at the office of the Dean of Student Affairs. The student was also prohibited from receiving any recognition from the institute’s gymkhana awards. Any violation of this penalty would lead to further sanctions.
The notice was posted on social media platform X by ‘IIT B for Bharat,’ a campus group that claims to uphold “Indic civilizational values.” The group had previously protested against the play and welcomed the institute’s actions. “The play depicted the Ramayana in a derogatory manner. These students misused academic freedom to ridicule Lord Ram, Mata Sita, and Lord Laxman,” the group’s post stated.
Although the students facing action declined to comment, their peers confirmed that the fines were imposed earlier this month. “The students had hoped to resolve the situation through dialogue with the school, but one student’s penalty notice was leaked on social media last Wednesday,” one associate told The Indian Express.
Another associate described the play as a ‘feminist’ reinterpretation of the Ramayana with altered character names and storyline. The audience and judges did not object, the associate noted.
Students stated that action was taken against eight students involved in the play, including those graduating in July. Graduating students faced heavier fines, while those continuing their studies faced lesser fines and hostel suspensions.
The play was performed at IIT Bombay’s open-air theatre on March 31 this year. On April 8, the ‘IIT B for Bharat’ handle on social media platform X condemned the play, labeling it a mockery of Lord Ram and the Ramayana, supported by video clips from the performance.
IIT Bombay’s disciplinary committee has previously fined students for violating the code of conduct. However, IIT Bombay officials declined to comment on how they determine the quantum of penalties for students.
