New Delhi, July 21 -- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee found itself at the centre of an online controversy after an internal advisory circulated among students went viral, prompting outrage from social media users and political leaders. The communication, which reminded students and staff about the institute's conduct rules on political activities and public statements, was widely interpreted as a fresh directive restricting students from expressing political views.

The advisory, sent by the Registrar on July 20, urged students, employees and other stakeholders to adhere to the institute's notified conduct rules. It came amid heightened attention around the ongoing student protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar led by the Cock...