IIT Madras was in the centre of a raging controversy after a hostel office allegedly put the details of a student caught with used condoms inside his room on the notice board.
The incident, which took place last week, has irked students, who are up-in-arms calling it a violation of their privacy and dignity.
During a vigilance check at Brahmaputra men’s hostel, authorities stumbled upon several banned items like iron boxes, egg boiler, electric kettle, water cooler, mini fridge, water heater rod, etc. But in one room, the squad found 20 cigarette butts, matchboxes and used condoms in the dustbin.
The hostel authorities imposed a fine of Rs 5,000, and also publicly named the student for possessing condoms. The image of the hostel’s notice was shared on reddit and has provoked discussion.
One students revealed, “A vigilance security officer asked if the room and bed was comfortable enough when I was at a boy’s hostel during their visit.”
After the students expressed their anger over lack of respect for their privacy, many people on social media supported their stand and bashed IIT Madras for having callous attitude.
Here are some responses:
@iitmadras What do you guys want? India is 2nd most populous country and if a student is using condoms then its worrying you.. the thing that should worry you is those who don't use it.. don't you think?? pic.twitter.com/M4Ej5p4R5C
— Aditya VARDHANN (@AVardhann) December 4, 2018
@iitmadras hostel admin should support safe sex than chastising the student for using condom. If the students are above 18, they have right to have safe consensual sex. Hostel admins need to get in touch with modern times.
— Shounak Deshpande (@8Shounak8) December 4, 2018
Meanwhile, the Dean Students’ office has refuted all the allegations put forward by the students, “No hostel office has done this act of publishing student details on the notice board. The institute will inquire further about this deviation, if any at all.”
