India, July 21 -- A circular issued by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee warning students and staff against participating in political discussions or activities without prior permission from the institute has gone viral on social media, drawing criticism from several quarters, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra.

While the fresh advisory created furore on social media with several users terming it a "gag order", the institute insisted that it is in accordance with existing rules and should not be viewed out of context.

The communication, dated July 20 and addressed to students, said, "It has been noticed on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook etc. that some of the campus inmates shown their affi...