IIT-Roorkee advisory on political posts sparks row amid CJP protest

IIT-Roorkee has issued an internal advisory cautioning students, faculty and staff against supporting “political movements” on social media or making public statements that could embarrass the institute's relationship with the Centre, according to Tapan Susheel's Times of India report.

The institute, however, issued a clarification on Tuesday after the advisory triggered widespread criticism, describing the communication as a "routine" reminder that is circulated at the start of every academic session.

While the clarification did not mention any specific protest, the advisory came amid the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation at Jantar Mantar, where students and supporters have been demanding accountability over alleged paper leaks and shortcomings in the education system.


The timing of the communication sparked an online debate over campus regulations, freedom of expression and the balance between institutional discipline and political participation.

The email, sent by the registrar to all stakeholders, said the institute had observed some "campus inmates" expressing affinity towards a political movement on Instagram and Facebook through public comments and criticism. It reminded students and employees that conduct rules prohibit participation in political activities or discussions without prior permission.

The advisory also stated that no student or employee should make any statement or express any opinion through broadcast, print, electronic or social media that could embarrass the institute's relationship with the central government, any organisation or members of the public.

Screenshots of the email quickly circulated on social media, prompting criticism from students, alumni and others who questioned whether the institute was attempting to curb personal expression.

Rajat Rawat, a 2018 IIT-Roorkee alumnus who participated in the Jantar Mantar protest, wrote on X, “How can IIT-R stop me or any students from using the basic right to dissent.”

Several social media users termed the advisory a "gag order", while some members of the institute community said the language was unusual for a communication issued at the beginning of an academic session.

A faculty member, requesting anonymity, said, “At the beginning of every academic session, we do not normally receive such so-called advisories warning faculty members in this manner.”

Another member of the institute community said the reference to ongoing political movements made the advisory appear connected to the current protests, even though the administration later maintained it was part of its routine communication.

As criticism mounted, IIT-Roorkee issued a clarification, saying the advisory had been "misunderstood".

“The communication should not be misinterpreted or viewed out of context,” the institute said.

(With TOI inputs)