New Delhi, May 29
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday condemned IIT-Madras' move to censure a students' group for criticising the Narendra Modi-led central government.

"IIT student group banned for criticising the Modi government. What next?" Gandhi said on his official Twitter handle.

"Free speech is our right. We will fight any attempt to crush dissent and debate," he said.

His comment came hours after IIT Madras censured Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle - a students' study group - over an anonymous complaint to the central government that it was trying to "create hatred atmosphere" among students by distributing "controversial pamphlets and posters" on the campus.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told the media: "The arrogance of the Modi government has come to an extent that if a students' organisation criticises its policies that group is disbanded."

"Is this how the voice of dissent raised by youth will be suppressed in the country? This is why Rahul Gandhi has raised his voice," Surjewala said.

Not against students' freedom of expression: IIT Madras

After acting against a students' group for distributing controversial pamphlets that were likely to create an atmosphere of hate, IIT-Madras on Friday declared it was not against freedom of expression for students but expected them to adhere to certain guidelines

"We are not against students' freedom of expression, but expect them to adhere to certain guidelines," the premier institution said in a statement issued here by its spokesperson.

Pointing out that there were several students' organisations on the campus, the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) statement observed that "some of these organisations represent the entire student body, elected and run by the students themselves".

"Some of the student groups are formed based on the interests of students. Student groups desiring to use the institute's resources are required to be recognised and they are to follow guidelines prescribed by the Board of Students which consists of all the elected student representatives," said the statement.

The statement was issued after reports that the institute had taken action against Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) -- a students' study group -- over an anonymous complaint to the centre saying that it was trying to "create hatred atmosphere" among students by distributing "controversial pamphlets and posters" on the campus.

The statement said that while IIT-Madras does not curtail freedom of expression of the students, it is expected that student groups adhere to laid down guidelines while conducting their activities.

"As per the guidelines in force, the student bodies are not allowed to use the institute's name (IIT-Madras) or any of its official entities in any capacity to publicize their activities or garner support, without official approval," it said.

It also said that this group has violated these guidelines while conducting its meetings.

"Normally, violation of these guidelines leads to temporary derecognition pending their presenting their stand to the Board of Students. In the present case also, the same procedure is being followed," the statement said.

IIT-Madras took action as per their own guidelines: government

The government on Friday said the IIT-Madras' action was as per its guidelines and procedure and the human resource development ministry had nothing to do with it.

"The action has been taken by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras as per the guidelines of the institute.. the ministry of human resource development had nothing to do with this except for forwarding the complaint received to director, IIT, Madras for comments," the ministry said in a statement.

It went on to say that 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. The matter has been clarified by IIT-Madras through a media statement dated May 29," it added.

The statement follows reports that the institute had taken action against Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) - a students' study group - over an anonymous complaint to the central government saying that that it was trying to "create hateful atmosphere" among students by distributing "controversial pamphlets and posters" on the campus.

The institute said while IIT-Madras does not curtail freedom of expression of the students, it is expected that student groups adhere to these guidelines while conducting their activities.