From Independent Probe to Counselling Reforms: What IIT-Bombay Students Want in 18-Point Charter Signed by Directo

IIT-Bombay Director Prof Shireesh Kedare signed an 18-point charter late Sunday, which includes a demand for his resignation, following three days of student protests over the death by suicide of 20-year-old Sahil Wakode. 

The agreement followed nearly three hours of discussions between the protesting students and senior institute officials at the campus main gate.

The charter includes demands for an independent investigation into Wakode’s death, action against Prof Suryanarayana Doolla, reforms to academic and disciplinary procedures, and stronger student welfare and mental-health services.

However, the signing does not mean that every demand has been immediately implemented. An institute official said the issues would be dealt with through due process.

Doolla, who was invigilating the examination attended by Wakode shortly before his death, is among the main targets of the students’ demands. When asked about his suspension during the meeting, Kedare was heard saying that the institute would “follow the process”.

Videos claiming to show Kedare’s resignation have also circulated on social media, but there has been no official confirmation of his resignation.

What The 18-Point Charter Seeks

As per the India Today which accessed the charter, lists the following key demands raised by the protesting students:

• Immediate suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, with removal of any stakeholders found guilty after the investigation is concluded.
• The charter seeks an interim report by September 30 and a final report by October 15.
• Students have demanded an open house with the director, Dean of Student Affairs and other senior officials.
• They have sought a public apology over what they described as the “defamation” of Wakode following the institute’s public account of the examination incident.
• The charter calls for a code of conduct for professors, mental-health sensitisation for faculty and staff, improved in-person counselling and changes to the Disciplinary Action Committee process.
• Students have proposed a task force comprising students, faculty members, mental-health professionals and external experts to examine student distress and recommend preventive measures.
• They have sought improved medical and mental-health services, including a 24-hour psychiatrist-on-call facility at the institute hospital.
• Students want a written implementation plan by September 26 and an assurance that those participating peacefully in the protest will not face disciplinary action.
• The charter states that the director, Dean of Academic Programmes and Dean of Student Affairs should resign if specified demands are not implemented within a month.

FIR Against Professor Doolla

Doolla has been named in an FIR registered by Mumbai Police following a complaint from Wakode’s parents. The case includes an allegation of abetment to suicide and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch.

Wakode, a second-year Energy Science and Engineering student, was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination on September 18. IIT-Bombay said he had uploaded the question paper to an AI platform to seek answers.

The institute said no disciplinary action had been initiated against him and that he was counselled and assured that the incident would not affect his academic career. He was later found dead in his hostel room.

Wakode’s parents have alleged caste-based harassment. IIT-Bombay has denied the allegation and said no complaint had been submitted by Wakode to its SC/ST cell or administration.

Meanwhile, the IIT-Bombay Faculty Forum has backed Doolla, saying he was carrying out his invigilation duties according to the institute’s approved procedures and had reported the alleged examination malpractice through the prescribed process.

Students To Decide On Further Protest

The administration is expected to present details of the agreement at an open house on Monday. Students will then decide whether to continue their agitation.

The IIT-Bombay Board of Governors is also expected to meet as the Crime Branch investigation into Wakode’s death continues.