Mumbai: IIT Bombay has drafted a new procedure for dealing with students accused of cheating or using unfair means in examinations, proposing that students be given an opportunity to explain their side before disciplinary action is initiated. The move comes weeks after the death by suicide of second year student Sahil Wakode, whose case has triggered protests and scrutiny of the institute’s examination and disciplinary procedures.
Under the proposed framework, detection of suspected malpractice would no longer immediately lead to disciplinary proceedings. Instead, the student’s explanation would first be heard before the institute decides whether disciplinary action is warranted. The draft is yet to be implemented.
Wakode, 22, died on September 18, hours after he was stopped during a mid semester examination at IIT Bombay. According to the institute and available CCTV footage, he was found with a mobile phone during the examination and was subsequently taken out of the exam hall. IIT Bombay’s Faculty Forum said the invigilator had acted according to institutional protocol after finding the student in unauthorised possession and use of a smartphone.
The case has raised questions over whether the institute’s existing academic malpractice procedure was followed. IIT Bombay’s earlier rules required confiscation of unauthorised material, preparation of an invigilator’s report and examination of the case by an academic disciplinary committee. The rules also provided for the benefit of doubt to go to the student when evidence was unclear.
Questions were also raised after reports that Wakode signed an apology letter after leaving the examination hall. The reported rules did not specifically prescribe an apology letter as part of the disciplinary process.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Crime Branch continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. Investigators have examined CCTV footage and recorded statements from students and institute officials. They are also looking into the sequence of events between Wakode leaving the examination hall and returning to his hostel.
The investigation is also examining allegations of caste based discrimination and harassment. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has separately conducted a spot inquiry at IIT Bombay, seeking information about the events surrounding Wakode’s death and the safeguards available to Scheduled Caste students.
Police have not yet reached a final conclusion on the allegations. IIT Bombay’s proposed rule change now puts due process at the centre of the debate, potentially marking a significant shift in how examination misconduct cases are handled on campus.
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