A private school in Madhya Pradesh has punished seven students for gathering and reciting Hanuman Chalisa at its on-campus hostel without permission. A fine of Rs 5,000 was also imposed on the seven students.
According to the reports, about 20 students from the Management of the Vellore Institute of Technology (MVIT), located in the Kothri Kalan area, about 60 km from Bhopal, had gathered in a hostel room where they chanted Hanuman Chalisa on July 4. Some other students living in adjoining rooms objected to this and informed the college board. Subsequently, management took cognizance of the matter and acted on the complaint and fined Rs 5,000 each on seven students who were found to be leading the group. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with users questioning whether singing Hanuman Chalisa in a student hostel is a “criminal act”.
The college board defended the action, saying, “Students can pray whenever they want, but no group event is allowed, even in hostel rooms without permission.”
When the incident sparked controversy, Madhya Pradesh Home Affairs Minister Narottam Mishra sprang into action and defended the students.
Mishra briefed the press on the matter on Friday and said he has asked the university administration (MVIT) not to impose a fine on students for chanting Hanuman Chalisa.
“Where will students recite Hanuman Chalisa if they are not in Hindustan?” said Misra. “We have asked the college not to impose a fine. They have to make the problem clear to the students. I have also told the District Collector to investigate this matter,” Mishra added.
The college board has also asked students who lead the meeting to explain this issue. The administration also said that some students had requested permission for the same, but they were denied.
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