IIT Roorkee clears issues after advisory ‘do not engage in political discussions’ sparks debate on social media | Today’s news
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has found itself at the center of an online controversy after an internal recommendation went viral among students, sparking outrage from social media users and political leaders. The memo, which reminded students and staff of the institute’s rules of conduct regarding political activities and public statements, was widely interpreted as a new directive restricting students from expressing political views.
The notice sent by the registrar on July 20 asked students, staff and other stakeholders to adhere to the institute’s notified code of conduct. It came amid heightened attention surrounding the ongoing student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar led by the Cockroach Janta Party, although the email did not mention the protests by name.
As per the recommendation, the institute observed the activity of some members of the campus community on social media platforms.
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An advisory from IIT Roorkee reminded students and staff of the existing rules of conduct and said they should not engage in political discussions or activities without prior permission to maintain institutional integrity.
The backlash stemmed from the perception that the advisory board was restricting students’ rights to express political views, particularly during times of public protest, leading to considerable outrage online and among political figures.
IIT Roorkee clarified that the recommendation was routine, issued annually at the start of the academic session, and not a new policy, stressing that it should not be seen as a restriction on political speech.
The advisory was issued at the same time as increased public protests in Delhi, particularly those led by the Cockroach Janta Party, created an atmosphere of scrutiny over student political speech.
While the IIT Roorkee advisory encourages compliance with the code of conduct, the institution has clarified that personal views expressed by students on social media do not reflect official positions and should be treated as personal views.
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The communication said, “It has been noticed on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook etc that some inmates of the campus have (shown) their affinity with…
Counseling continued to remind students and staff of the institute’s goals and rules of conduct. “All students, staff and stakeholders are hereby politely reminded that IIT has recruited students or nominated staff to provide instruction, research and advancement in education and dissemination of knowledge in the fields of engineering, technology, science and the arts.”
It further states: “It is written in the notified rules of conduct that no student or employee shall be allowed to join any political discussion or take part in any political activity without the prior permission of the institute or make any statement or opinion in any broadcast/television or in any print or electronic medium in any public address which may embarrass the relations between the institute and the Central Government or other organizations or members of the public.
The advisory quickly gained traction online, with several users questioning whether IIT Roorkee was imposing new restrictions on students’ political expression and social media activity.
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The Institute publishes an explanation on X
On the same day this message went out, IIT Roorkee shared a post on X that highlighted the difference between personal views and official institutional communications.
The institute wrote, “IIT Roorkee is committed to maintaining a distinction between personal speech and official institutional communications.”
He added, “Any views or content shared by individuals in their personal capacity are their own and should not be construed as expressing the position or endorsement of the institute. Official communications of IIT Roorkee are issued only through its designated and authorized channels.”
“Routine Notice Issued Every Year”
As criticism mounted, IIT Roorkee issued an official explanation through its Media Cell, saying the communication was taken out of context.
Media Cell Incharge Sonika Srivastava said the recommendation is not a new policy but a standard internal communication circulated at the beginning of every academic session.
“The said communication is an internal advisory circulated among students, faculty and staff at the beginning of each academic session.”
“Such notices are routinely issued each year in accordance with the Institute’s existing rules of reported conduct and do not constitute any new directive or policy. The notice should not be misinterpreted or taken out of context.”
According to the institute, the advisory is circulated annually in line with its existing code of conduct and should not be seen as a new restriction on students or staff.
Mahua Moitra reacts
The advisory also drew a sharp response from Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.
Responding to the message on X, the Krishnanagar MP questioned the institute’s position, writing:
“Don’t you dare tell our children to give up their constitutional right to free speech and protest. Take down this email and apologize.”
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While the advisory was issued against the backdrop of the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar, IIT Roorkee maintains that the communication was part of its routine annual practice and was not linked to any specific event or protest. The institute reiterated that the recommendation should be read in the context of its existing rules of conduct rather than as a newly introduced policy.
