Hyderabad: IIIT Hyderabad cancelled a proposed Umar Khalid documentary screening on its campus on September 18. The Institute said organisers had not secured official permission.
An informal student group had proposed the screening in a campus lecture hall. IIIT Hyderabad said the group had no official link with the Institute. It also said the group did not follow the required campus protocols.
The Institute acted after it learned about the unauthorised event. It cancelled the proposed screening and said it would not allow any public or private screening of the film on campus. The restriction covers classrooms, laboratories and offices.
The film, Prisoner No. 626710 is Present, had not received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification, according to the Institute. IIIT Hyderabad said this was among the circumstances surrounding the proposed event.
The Institute also rejected reports that described the Umar Khalid documentary screening as an official campus programme. It said neither IIIT Hyderabad nor any recognised student club, cell or body had organised or authorised the event.
IIIT Hyderabad said it follows established procedures for official events and activities on campus. Organisers must obtain approval from the competent authorities before conducting such activities. The Institute said the proposed screening had not received that approval.
Umar Khalid documentary screening draws Institute clarification
The Institute stressed that it had no association with the proposed screening. It said the event did not represent its views, activities or official position.
IIIT Hyderabad also highlighted the diversity of its academic community. Students and faculty may meet or interact with people from different walks of life in their individual capacity. The Institute said such personal interactions should not be treated as Institute-organised events.
The clarification came after reports incorrectly linked the proposed Umar Khalid documentary screening with IIIT Hyderabad. The Institute maintained that no recognised student body had participated in organising the screening.
The Institute said all members of its community must follow established procedures when organising or announcing campus activities. It also asked them to comply with applicable legal and institutional requirements.
IIIT Hyderabad reiterated that the proposed screening had no official connection with the Institute. It said the Umar Khalid documentary screening was neither an Institute-organised nor an authorised event.
