IIT Kanpur's MUN Organised by Student Gymkhana Faces Backlash Over Last-Minute Judge Dismissals

Kanpur, India, January 29, 2025
In an unexpected and disappointing turn of events, the Model United Nations (MUN) organizing committee at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur by Student Gymkhana Club is facing backlash for unprofessional conduct. Three days before the event, multiple appointed judges and executive board members were abruptly removed, leaving them stranded and frustrated.
Several judges, who had been formally invited to adjudicate the competition, had already made travel and accommodation arrangements. However, at the last minute, they were informed that their services were no longer required. This sudden change not only wasted their time and money but also raised serious concerns about the credibility and organizational efficiency of the IIT Kanpur MUN team.
A Breakdown in Communication
Sources confirm that the affected judges had received a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from the organizers, officially confirming their roles. Despite this formal agreement, there was a striking lack of communication. Judges were left in limbo, with calls and messages regarding logistics going unanswered for days.
One of the judges, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their frustration: "I had already made travel arrangements and was in the city three days before the event. Then, out of nowhere, I was told that I was no longer allowed to enter the venue as a judge. It was shocking and extremely unprofessional."
The designated point of contact for the judges was reportedly unreachable for long periods, leading to confusion and distress among those affected. Many judges claimed that despite numerous attempts to seek clarification, their messages and calls remained unanswered.
Financial constraints or poor planning?
To add to the confusion, the organizers cited financial constraints as the reason for their decision, claiming a strict budget limitation of ₹3,000. This explanation has left many skeptical, given that IIT Kanpur's MUN is a large-scale event typically supported by sponsorships and participant fees.
Veterans in the MUN circuit have pointed out that such last-minute cancellations not only damage the reputation of the institution but also discourage experienced individuals from participating in future editions.
A Recurring Issue?
This is not the first instance of mismanagement at IIT Kanpur’s student-run events. Several past participants have raised concerns about poor coordination and last-minute changes causing disruptions. However, this time, the issue has escalated as judges who had received formal confirmations were left to bear the consequences of poor planning.
Calls for Accountability
The affected judges and members of the MUN circuit are now demanding accountability from the organizing team. Many are calling on IIT Kanpur’s administration to step in and ensure such incidents do not happen again in future events.
"An institution like IIT Kanpur should uphold the highest standards of professionalism. If they continue to operate like this, it will severely impact their credibility in the academic and debating community," remarked another disappointed judge.
Despite multiple attempts to reach out, the IIT Kanpur MUN organizing committee has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the issue. As the event moves forward, it remains to be seen whether the institution will address the growing discontent among judges and participants alike.
A Loss of Trust
What was meant to be a prestigious gathering of intellectual discourse has instead turned into a controversy fueled by carelessness, mismanagement, and a complete lack of communication. If IIT Kanpur hopes to maintain its standing in the MUN community, it must take responsibility for these lapses and ensure that professionalism is upheld in future editions.
For now, however, the damage is done. Several professionals have been left feeling disrespected, disappointed, and questioning their trust in IIT Kanpur's MUN event.