Revoke ban on IIT-Madras students' group: Rights body

Describing the de-recognition of a students' group in IIT-Madras as "undemocratic" and "unilateral", the People's Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) on Sunday asked for the immediate roll-back of the decision.

The Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC), an independent group of Indian Institute of Technology-Madras students, was banned last month for allegedly criticising the central government.

"This exposes the real attitude of the government towards Dr Ambedkar whom they are desperately trying to bring into the Hindutva fold. IIT-M is extending all possible help to many right-wing student groups that are engaging in unscientific and religious discourses," the PUDR said in a statement.

"We strongly believe that the action of the dean of students of IIT-M in derecognising the APSC is undemocratic and unilateral, and demand its immediate and unconditional roll-back," it added.

The PUDR said the incident was not isolated and was part of the overall strategy of right-wing forces to stifle democratic spaces in educational institutions.