The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has issued a notice cautioning against social media content that misrepresents events and harms its reputation. The institute has warned of legal action and potential FIRs against individuals involved in spreading defamatory or false information.
Context: Viral Video of Student Dancing at Cultural Festival
A video showing a woman dancing at an IIT Roorkee cultural event has resurfaced on social media. Though the clip is reportedly from Thomso 2023, criticism has mounted recently, with some users labelling it inappropriate and rumours spreading about the identity and context of the performance. According to reports:
- Some posts claim the performer is an IIT student; others say she is not.
- The institute has clarified that the video is being used out of context in many cases.
IIT Roorkee’s Statement & Legal Warning
In its official statement released on 14 September 2025, IIT Roorkee’s Media Cell, led by Sonika Srivastava, emphasised the following:
- It has been noted that misleading content is circulating with the apparent motive of damaging the institute’s reputation.
- The institute strongly disapproves of such actions by individuals or groups.
- IIT Roorkee reserves the right to initiate FIRs (First Information Reports) and pursue legal proceedings against those spreading false or defamatory content.
- The institute reaffirmed its commitment to ethics, integrity, and academic excellence.
Impact & Public Reaction
Public response has been mixed:
- Many social media users criticised the video, calling it inappropriate for an academic setting.
- Others defended the performance, stating that artistic freedom and cultural expression should be respected.
The debate has reignited conversations on social media’s role in reshaping perceptions and spreading misinformation. IIT Roorkee’s intervention seeks to address these narratives and ensure that information shared publicly is accurate.
