IIT Madras issue: Student groups should adhere to the guidelines

In a statement, IIT-Madras on Friday said that the institution does not curtail the freedom of expression of its students, but it is expected that student groups adhere to the guidelines while conducting their activities.

While IIT Madras does not curtail freedom of expression of the students, it is expected that student groups adhere to these guidelines while conducting their activities. As per the guidelines in force, the student bodies cant use the name of IIT Madras or its official entities in any capacity, to publicise their activities or garner support, without official permission, the statement said.

The Ambedkar-Periyar Study Circle has violated the guidelines while conducting their meeting. Normally, violation of these guidelines leads to temporary de recognition pending their presenting their stand to the Board of Students. In the present case also, the same procedure is being followed, it added.

The statement further said that student groups desiring to use the Institutes resources are required to be recognized and they are to follow guidelines prescribed by the Board of Students which consists

of all the elected student representatives.

There are several student organisations functioning on the IIT campus operating on the basis of student involvement and initiatives. Some of these organisations represent the entire student body, elected and run by the students themselves. Some of the student groups are formed based on the interests of students, it added.

IIT-Madras had temporarily derecognised the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle after a Union Human Resource Development Ministrys letter to the institutions director about the student groups involvement in spreading hatred against Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi.

The Ministry had cited an anonymous letter received by them describing the activities of the student group in question.