IIT Bombay imposes fine of Rs 10,000 to students against food segregation policy

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the students who had stood against the food segregation policy of the institute by a peaceful act of individual civil disobedience. This action of the admin is similar to a Khap Panchayat acting to uphold untouchability in modern times.

The mess council reviewed the evidence and determined that a resident of Hostel-12, deliberately instigated the incident during dinner on September 28, 2023.

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As per the institute, the act was a premeditated attempt to disrupt the peace and harmony within the mess, in defiance of the advice provided by the associate dean SA, as evidenced in shared email communication. At least two other individuals were involved, whose identities are yet to be ascertained.

The behaviour was contrary to the inclusive and peaceful atmosphere at Hostel 12-13-14 mess. The mess council resolved to impose a fine of Rs. 10,000.

The mess council resolved to enlist the support of student representatives from the Hostel 12-13-14 councils to assist in identifying the other two individuals involved in the incident. Once their identities are established, the insititute will take appropriate disciplinary action against them as well.

The mess council has requested the cooperation of all mess members in maintaining a cordial and peaceful atmosphere within the Hostel 12-13-14 mess.

A similar incident occurred in July where students raised the issue of food discrimination at the institute after “vegetarians only” posters were put up on the walls of a canteen in one of the hostels.