Protests over derecognition of IIT-Madras student body for criticising Modi

Different organisations protested here on Saturday against the de-recognition of the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) student's association by IIT-Madras.

The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) said the APSC was de-recognised as it was provoking protests against the central government policies and creating hatred against Hindus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Political parties like DMK, MDMK, VCK, CPI(M), CPI, Congress and others have condemned the IIT-M's move calling it against freedom of expression and demanded the recognition be restored.

On the other hand, BJP leader and union minister Pon Radhakrishnan supported IIT-M and said it actec so that the students could be guided on the right path.

According to BJP secretary H. Raja, the comments made by members of APSC were anti-national and the student body should have been derecognised several months back.

Members belonging to Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) held demonstration outside IIT-M in support of the institution's action.

Members of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Revolutionary Students Federation (RSF) too protested outside IIT-M against its decision to derecognise APSC.

Police have taken into custody several people, including women and female students for demonstrating on the roads and affecting the free flow of traffic.

Members of Congress party staged protest outside Shastri Bhavan that houses several central government offices. Large number of police personnel were deployed at IIT-M and Shastri Bhavan to prevent any untoward incident.

According to IIT-M, the institution does not curtail free speech or expression but it expects student groups to adhere to guidelines like not using the institution's name or its official entities to publicise their activities or garner support.

However, the APSC had violated the guidelines, IIT-M said.