Intolerance in IIT. Student study groups disbanded. This assault on freedom of expression should be condemned

Reacting with resolute indignation to the silencing of democratic student voices in late May 2015, DMK Treasurer M. K. Stalin strongly condemned the derecognition and disbanding of the Ambedkar-Periyar Study Circle (APSC) by the administration of IIT Madras. The punitive action had been initiated following an anonymous complaint forwarded by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development accusing the independent student forum of criticizing government economic policies and caste discrimination. Stalin termed the institutional ban a brazen assault on fundamental rights of free speech, academic inquiry, and democratic dissent guaranteed by the Constitution of India. He highlighted that premier academic institutions like the IITs must function as vibrant spaces for critical debate and progressive social thinking rather than rigid chambers enforcing majoritarian intolerance. Stalin emphasized that discussing the egalitarian ideas of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Thanthai Periyar was an honorable democratic pursuit that challenged deep-rooted social inequalities. He demanded that the IIT Madras management immediately revoke the ban, apologize to the student researchers, and guarantee an open academic atmosphere free from political censorship and ideological interference by state authorities.