Recent disturbances over guest lectures on topical subjects have prompted IIT-Bombay to introduce guidelines to restrict the organisation of talks and seminars that may be deemed ‘potentially political’. External speakers who cover political topics must obtain permission from a review committee, while protests on campus and video recordings of events require permission from the police and organisers respectively. The move follows a complaint from a PhD student who found a guest lecture on the Palestine situation inflammatory. Faculty members at IIT-Bombay have rallied around the professor who organised the lecture, condemning the threats made against her and calling for action to be taken against those responsible. The institute’s decision has, however, sparked criticism from some students and faculty members who argue that it limits freedom of speech and academic freedom. The director of the institute has appointed a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident and propose appropriate action. The guidelines aim to ensure that the institute remains focused on its primary mission and does not become embroiled in socio-political controversies. While free and open discussion on educational subjects is encouraged, IIT-Bombay is striving to maintain an apolitical stance to protect its reputation.