Protestors outside IIT, Madras being detained by Police
Dozens of activists belonging to the Democratic Youth Federation of India were detained today after they attempted to stage a blockade outside IIT Madras in protest against its ban on a student group allegedly after an anonymous complaint to the central government.
The Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle, a group of around 20 students, was accused in the complaint of trying to "spread hatred" towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi through provocative pamphlets and posters. The group, which organizes debates and guest lectures, has been barred from using the institute's auditorium, email and notice board.
The agitating DYFI members raised slogans against the Modi government and Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani. They also had a heated exchange of words with the local police, and raised slogans against the management of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and sought action against it for derecognising the student body.
Regional parties DMK and MDMK expressed "shock" over the "intolerance" shown by the authorities at IIT-M, and expressed concern over "threats" to freedom of expression.
"This stand to curb freedom of expression taken by the institution and the Union government is most disheartening. This incident displays a clear unwarranted interference of the Union government in the running of an educational institution," DMK leader MK Stalin said in a statement.
MDMK leader Vaiko, a former NDA ally, slammed Ms Irani who had emphatically denied any role in the ban.
"Irani should realise that none has the right to snatch away the basic right of freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of India," Mr Vaiko said, urging that the action against the study circle be withdrawn immediately.
IIT Madras has come under severe criticism for derecognising the students' body for allegedly violating code of conduct. The issue is scheduled to be taken up in the
Board of Students meeting in August.