IIT Bombay students end 57-day sit-in protest at Justice Corner, vow to continue fight for campus reforms

Students protesting at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay under the banner of Justice Corner have called off their 57-day-long sit-in demonstration, saying the administration has initiated several measures to address their demands. The protest, which began following the death of student Sahil, was centred on demands for justice and reforms to improve campus democracy and student welfare.

In a statement issued on November 13, the protesting students at IIT Bombay said the Dean of Student Affairs (Dean SA) met them and shared updates on initiatives undertaken by the institute administration over the past two months. The Dean also assured continued dialogue with student community on oadmap for implementing these measures, they said.

Also read Over 2,500 reserved faculty posts vacant across 17 IITs; at 10 institutes, over 60 depts with no SC teacher

The students added that they received a communication from the institute's director shortly after the meeting, outlining steps taken towards systematic reforms. According to the statement, more than 2,000 students had participated in the protest from its first day.

Several reform measures initiated by admin

The students said the administration had initiated several reform measures, including setting up review committees for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) Cell, the Student Wellness Centre and hostel affairs. They also highlighted multiple open-house meetings and general body meetings (GBMs) held at the institute following the protest.

Also read Small-town students lack awareness, not merit; institutions must help them with scholarships, admissions

The protest also raised concerns about functioning of the Students' Wellness Centre, the SC/ST Cell and the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC). The students alleged that the DAC's functioning lacked transparency and had been misused on several occasions by Professor Doolla in his capacity as Dean of Student Affairs.

Students await internal committee

While announcing the end of the sit-in, the students said several demands remained unresolved. They pointed out that the internal committee report had not yet been released and called on the student community to continue pressing for its publication.

Also read IIT Bombay students clarify protest was ‘not to justify cheating’, demand institutional reforms

The statement described the 57-day demonstration as an effort to establish a democratic space on campus where students could raise concerns, question institutional decisions and participate in discussions affecting campus life.

The protesting students also expressed solidarity with Sahil's family and urged the IIT Bombay administration to cooperate fully with the ongoing criminal investigation. They said the movement would continue in other forms to pursue institutional reforms, social justice and accountability.

Sahil ended his life on September 18, hours after allegedly being caught using mobile phone during a mis-semester examination. His parents, however, alleged that the deceased faced harassment and caste-based discrimination at campus.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.