Seven students were fined by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University near Bhopal for reading Hanuman Chalisa collectively in the hostel. The university management gave notice to these students and asked them to pay a fine of Rs 5000 each. On receiving the complaint, Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said – Students will not be fined. If Hanuman Chalisa is not recited in India, then where will it be?
A few days ago, 20 students of B.Tech second year in the university read Hanuman Chalisa together in the hostel room. Another group of students complained about this to the management. On finding the complaint true, a notice was issued to impose a fine on 7 students.
Home Minister Narottam Mishra has termed the action of the university management as objectionable. He said that Sehore Collector Chandra Mohan has been instructed to investigate the entire matter. No fine will be imposed on any student. We have given them a message that they should not impose any fine for reading Hanuman Chalisa. Children can be counseled.
Collector Chandra Mohan said that some students had organised a special event. They have not taken permission for this from the college authorities. Some students protested against this and complained to the management. The incident is being told a few days old.
Let us inform that even before this VIT has come into controversy. A student here had made an app where hundreds of Muslim women were listed for “auction” with photographs sourced without permission and doctored.