In Assam, Union HRD minister Smriti Irani backed IIT's action, saying the institution has clearly stated that some procedures by the student organisation was not followed and it knew that Dean will derecognise it for violating norms.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) was at the centre of controversy on Friday over derecognition of a student group, many of whom are Dalits, following a complaint that it was critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering protests from Congress, AAP and the Left parties.
In Assam, Union HRD minister Smriti Irani backed IIT's action, saying the institution has clearly stated that some procedures by the student organisation was not followed and it knew that Dean will derecognise it for violating norms.
In Delhi, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said, "Free speech is our right. We will fight any attempt to crush dissent and debate".
"IIT student group banned for criticising Modi Government. What next? he said, according to tweets by his office.
Scores of NSUI workers protested outside Irani's official residence in Delhi over the issue. The protesters raised anti-government slogans and accused the HRD ministry of being behind the action against the body.
A senior official of the premier Central technical institute told reporters in Chennai that the Ambedkar-Periyar Study Circle (APSC) had "violated" defined guidelines of IIT-Madras.
"As per the guidelines in force, student bodies cannot use the name of IIT Madras or its official entities in any capacity to publicise their activities or garner support without official permission," said Prof Ramamurthy, acting director.
A separate statement by the institute said that while IIT-M does not "curtail" students' freedom of expression, "it is expected that student groups adhere to these guidelines while conducting their activities."
The Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry had forwarded a complaint made by some students about the APSC to the institute, accusing the group of creating "hatred" against Modi and instigating protests against Centre's policies.
Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said this was an effort by state and central government to gag the democratic voices of the country.
Left parties blamed the Sangh Parivar for carrying out "ferocious attacks" on freedom of expression, alternative views and democracy.
In separate statements, CPI(M) and CPI demanded the restoration of the recognition to APSC and action against the IIT-M management for taking such an action.
CPI National Secretary D Raja termed the action as "atrocious and highly condemnable" and said while the IIT-M management "cannot curtail the students' rights to freedom of views and to be critical of the government, the HRD Ministry should not have given such a direction on the basis of an anonymous letter".
The CPI(M) statement said during the last one year of the BJP-led government at the Centre, "Sangh Parivar organisations have been carrying out ferocious attacks on freedom of expression, alternative views and democracy."
The AAP slammed the decision and alleged that the BJP was frustrated over Narendra Modi losing popularity and resorted to this "undemocratic" move.
"The forum named after Dalit icon Ambedkar and Periyar was banned because it was instrumental in encouraging free speech and discussion around the erroneous and anti-people policies of the Narendra Modi government," AAP said in a statement.
Dalit right activists, however, called the ban unconstitutional and a breach of freedom of expression. Calling the move anti-Dalit, Dalit rights activist Paul Diwakar said, "The university could design policy for the poor. If the concerns of the student become a call for banning them then it will be labelled unconstitutional." Paul is the general secretary for National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights.
The HRD ministry said that IIT Madras had taken action against a students group according to its own procedure and established guidelines.
Higher education secretary S N Mohanty said IIT Madras is an autonomous institute and has taken action within its law and the ministry had got nothing to do except forwarding the complaint and seeking comments from the institute.
"IIT, Madras has taken action as per their own procedure and institute's guidelines. IITs being autonomous institutions, they are competent to handle matters within their guidelines and procedure," an official statement issued by the Ministry said.
"IITs being autonomous institutions, they are competent to handle matters within their guidelines and procedure," it said.
Rahul vs Irani
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and HRD minister Smriti Irani were on Friday locked in a spat after protests by NSUI workers outside her official residence over derecognition of a student group by IIT Madras.
While Rahul said the derecognition was aimed at "crushing dissent" and he will fight such attempts, Irani shot back challenging him for a debate on the issue of governance, including education, and accused him of fighting his battles hiding behind NSUI.
"IIT student group banned for criticising the Modi Government. What next? Free speech is our right. We will fight any attempt to crush dissent and debate," Rahul said on the twitter account of his office.
Replying to him in a series of tweets, Irani said, "next time fight ur (your) battles ur (your)self, don't hide behind NSUI. N (And) by d (the) way I'm returning to Amethi soon. See you there."
Challenging Rahul, she said, "give me a time n (and) place n (and) I'm ready to debate everything re (regarding) governance including education."
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}