Hyderabad: Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), a legal advocacy organisation, has submitted a complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in New Delhi alleging violation of fundamental rights and discriminatory treatment of religious activities at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal in Telangana.
According to the complaint, NIT students residing in the 1.8K Hostel had been voluntarily assembling every Tuesday evening for about 15 minutes to recite the Hanuman Chalisa, described as a peaceful, student-initiated activity without political or organisational backing.
LRPF stated that the recitation had reportedly continued for nearly a year without complaints and was viewed by participants as spiritually meaningful.
We have filed a petition before the National Human Rights Commission seeking an independent inquiry into the reported suppression of Hindu students’ Fundamental Rights at National Institute of Technology, Warangal.
As per information received, students at Hostel 1.8K had been… pic.twitter.com/DOloKoyY7X
— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) February 23, 2026
The forum alleged that following circulation of a video of the recitation on social media, institute officials intervened on February 17, 2026, directing students to stop the activity and warning of disciplinary consequences, including possible rustication, if gatherings continued. LRPF claims students were told that religious gatherings were not permitted.
In its representation, LRPF has named NIT Warangal Director Prof. Bidhyadhar Subudhi, Chief Warden and Physics Professor P. Abdul Azeem, and Dean of Students Welfare Prof. Kiran Kumar, alleging that actions taken by the institute’s administration amount to suppression of Hindu students’ rights under Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.
The complaint further raises concerns about what it describes as differential treatment of religious practices on campus.
LRPF has alleged that Muslim students are provided space for offering namaz in a hostel common hall, while Christian activities and Christmas celebrations under the banner “NITMAS” have been conducted with institutional support and participation of senior officials in previous years. The forum argues that if these claims are accurate, they indicate inconsistent application of policy.
LRPF contended that as a centrally funded institution under the Ministry of Education, NIT Warangal falls within the definition of “State” under Article 12 and is therefore bound to uphold fundamental rights, including equality before law and non-discrimination.
Seeking intervention, the organisation has requested the NHRC to order an independent inquiry into the conduct of the officials concerned, ensure that peaceful religious expression is not curtailed arbitrarily, and direct that any rules governing campus activities be applied uniformly. It has also asked for protection of students who participated in the recitation from any alleged retaliation pending inquiry.
