RMIT has been accused of using the courts to stifle dissent and silence critics, after a student was issued with an interim intervention order based on comments allegedly posted on an internet forum.

The temporary order was sought late last year by the dean of global studies, social science and planning at RMIT, David Hayward. The application for a permanent order, which was contested by the student, was dropped yesterday, weeks after an unfavourable result for the university in a similar case.

Last year, Luke McMahon and fellow youth-work students campaigned against changes to the school, including the sidelining of a popular lecturer.

Professor Hayward claimed that Mr McMahon had posted personal attacks against him on the internet, using a website created by youth-work students and a former RMIT academic's Facebook page.

Mr McMahon denies that he was the author of the posts. The matter was brought before the Magistrates Court in February, but was adjourned to a further hearing set down for yesterday.