IIT Roorkee clarifies advisory amid social media controversy over student protest support

The advisory, dated July 20, surfaced as student-led protests intensified across India following demonstrations in Delhi demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination-related controversies.

The engineering institution later claimed it was a routine advisory that ‘should not be misinterpreted or viewed out of context’.

While the fresh advisory created furore on social media with several users terming it a "gag order", the institute insisted that it is in accordance with existing rules and should not be viewed out of context

In a recent advisory, IIT Roorkee has reminded its students and staff to stay clear of political debates on social media platforms. The institution referenced existing protocols that discourage any actions that could tarnish its relationship with the government. This notification follows widespread protests advocating for the Education Minister's resignation.

An advisory asking students not to support ongoing student protests on social media sparked criticism online, prompting IIT Roorkee to issue a clarification. The institute said that the communication is a routine advisory circulated at the beginning of every academic session.

IIT Roorkee has clarified that an advisory circulated among students, faculty and staff is a routine internal communication issued at the start of every academic session and does not represent a new policy. The clarification followed criticism on social media over claims that students had been directed not to support ongoing student protests online. The institute said the advisory is based on existing notified conduct rules and should not be interpreted out of context.