The Case in Brief: From suspension to the Supreme Court

Ramadas K.S., a first-generation learner from a Dalit family in Kerala, first joined TISS in 2015 to pursue a Master’s in Media and Cultural Studies. In 2021, he enrolled in the integrated MPhil-PhD programme in Development Studies. His academic record earned him a National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste candidates in 2023, awarded by the Union Ministry of Social Justice following his successful performance in the UGC-NET examination.

In April 2024, Dalit PhD scholar Ramdas was suspended for two years by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), sparking widespread concern about academic freedom and political expression on Indian campuses. The disciplinary action was triggered by his participation in a protest against the BJP government and the National Education Policy during a Parliament March in Delhi, organised under the banner of the Progressive Students’ Forum–TISS (PSF–TISS). The institute claimed that by using the name “TISS” in posters and slogans, Ramdas had given the impression that the institute endorsed the protest, thereby bringing it into disrepute.

The institute also cited past instances of activism, including an overnight protest outside the TISS Director’s residence and a social media post encouraging students to watch Ram Ke Naam, a documentary critical of Hindutva politics. According to TISS, this pattern of “repetitive misconduct” and prioritising political activity over academics justified the suspension. Ramdas, who was on a scholarship from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, also had his fellowship withheld.

In May 2024, Ramdas challenged the suspension before the Bombay High Court, arguing that it violated his fundamental rights, particularly his freedom of expression and association. However, in a verdict delivered in March 2025, the High Court upheld the suspension, stating that while Ramdas had a right to his political views, he had crossed the line by linking those views with the institute’s name. The judgment has since raised alarm among student groups and civil society over its implications for dissent in academic spaces. Pursuant to the judgment delivered by the High Court, Ramdas had moved the Supreme Court.

Detailed analysis of the Bombay HC order may be read here.

Before the Supreme Court: Arguments and considerations

At the Supreme Court, the petitioner was represented by Senior Advocate and Former Chief Justice of Orissa High Court Dr. S. Muralidhar, who pressed for immediate relief and reinstatement. As per LiveLaw, the counsel had argued that the disciplinary proceedings lacked fairness and transparency, and that the two-year suspension imposed on a student nearing the completion of his PhD would irreparably harm his academic career. It was submitted that a student’s future should not be sacrificed for alleged procedural lapses, especially when adequate time had passed and there had been no recurrence of misconduct.

On the other side, Advocate Mr. Rajeev K. Pandey represented TISS. According to the report of LiveLaw, the institute maintained that it had acted within its rights, asserting that the Code of Conduct was binding on all students, and that institutional autonomy in disciplinary matters should be respected by the courts. TISS did not appear to offer any concessions during the hearing, nor did it appear inclined to revoke the suspension voluntarily.

Supreme Court’s Reasoning: Pragmatism over prolonged punishment

The Supreme Court Bench, comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan, took a notably restrained and equitable approach. In its brief but effective order, the Court consciously chose not to delve into the factual or legal merits of the suspension or the underlying allegations. Instead, it focused on the broader question of what justice required at this stage.

Acknowledging that more than a year had passed since the suspension order, the Court observed that “interest of justice would be best served if the said order does not continue to operate any longer.” This key observation, reported by LiveLaw, reflects a pragmatic judicial philosophy: once sufficient time has elapsed, and where the balance of convenience shifts in favour of a student’s rehabilitation, the punitive aspect of suspension should not be allowed to frustrate academic aspirations.

The Bench further noted that their intervention was being made without expressing any opinion on the original suspension decision or on the validity of the High Court’s ruling. This hands-off approach allowed the Court to grant relief without undermining the autonomy of the educational institution or setting a precedent of judicial overreach in disciplinary matters.

“Without examining the claims and counter-claims on merits, we feel that TISS having suspended the petitioner on 18th April, 2024 and lapsing of more than a year since then, interest of justice would be best served if the order of suspension is not continued further and he be permitted to pursue the PhD course in TISS” the Court stated in its order.

The complete order may be viewed here.

Final directions of the court

Accordingly, the Supreme Court issued the following directions:

1. The suspension order dated 18 April 2024 was set aside prospectively, i.e., it would no longer remain in operation from the date of the Supreme Court’s order.
2. Ramadas was permitted to resume his PhD course at TISS with immediate effect.
3. He was directed to “faithfully observe the Code of Conduct” of the institution during the remainder of his academic tenure.
4. The institute was granted liberty to take appropriate action should there be any further breach of conduct in the future.

Why this order matters

This ruling is important on multiple counts. First, it signals the judiciary’s role in protecting students from unnecessarily harsh and extended disciplinary actions that could cause disproportionate harm. The Supreme Court chose not to scrutinise the conduct allegations or institutional procedures in depth. Instead, it applied a time-sensitive, equity-based lens, recognising that the ultimate objective of educational discipline must be reformative—not vindictive.

Second, the case shows a subtle but important rebalancing of power between students and universities. While the Court did not curtail the institution’s authority to impose discipline or to revisit misconduct in the future, it sent a clear message: institutional autonomy cannot become a shield for actions that deny students the opportunity to complete their education, particularly when the situation is remediable and the student expresses a willingness to comply with norms.

Third, the decision upholds a compassionate and constructive vision of higher education. It recognises that students are not beyond redemption and that access to education is a fundamental pathway for growth, especially in a public institution like TISS, known for its role in nurturing social science scholarship and public service.

Reactions and significance of the verdict

The Supreme Court’s intervention has been widely hailed by student and rights-based organisations as a critical reaffirmation of campus democracy and educational equity. The Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch (DSMM) and Jati Ant Sangharsh Samiti-Maharashtra (JASS) welcomed the verdict as a corrective to the “arbitrary” and “discriminatory” action of the TISS administration.

In a joint statement, they described the verdict as a “victory for student rights” and a strong message in favour of protecting the rights of students from marginalised communities who voice dissent against state policies. “Denying education to students is not merely a personal setback—it’s a fundamental rights issue,” they asserted.

As per a report of The Wire, Ramadas echoed this sentiment in a heartfelt Facebook post following the verdict, stating:

“On the 366th day of legal proceedings since approaching the High Court, I am officially a student again – from today – at the very institution that denied me education 380 days ago. This fight was never just about one student. It was about the fundamental rights of many and the soul of campus democracy.”

“Surviving in a city like Mumbai without access to education and financial support is not easy, but challenging the suspension was the only way forward. I’m happy that I can now return to my studies,” he told EdexLive.

He also expressed solidarity with student struggles at other universities including Jamia Millia Islamia, Jadavpur University, and Ambedkar University Delhi.

Ramadas acknowledged the significance of this solidarity, “I’m grateful for the support I received from the student community, including those at TISS and various student organisations across India. Human rights activists, writers, journalists, and others in civil society all stood in solidarity with me. It meant a lot.”

However, he also emphasised the darker side of his battle. “I cannot forget the cyberbullying and slander campaigns that took place, and the threats I received in different languages. I hope this ends now,” he added, while speaking to EdexLive.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s order in Ramadas KS’s case is an instructive example of judicial pragmatism and humaneness. Without interfering with the autonomy of academic institutions or opening a floodgate for challenges to disciplinary actions, the Court crafted a path that allowed a student to return to his studies without formally ruling on the merits of the dispute.

In a time when student rights and institutional discipline often find themselves in conflict, this judgment reminds us that the pursuit of justice sometimes lies not in prolonged legal battles, but in timely, balanced, and forward-looking solutions.

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This, despite the fact that the organisers had submitted a letter in advance, informing the police about the protest. “They still went ahead and began detaining students and protestors. A police complaint has now been registered against five to six of us, including myself,” said Shailendra Kamble, one of the protest organisers as per Free Press Journal. Though those detained were released later in the evening, the action has raised alarm over the criminalisation of peaceful student-led dissent. A day before the protest, the TISS administration had issued an advisory warning students not to participate—an action that one may see as pre-emptive intimidation.

The protest was sparked by the recent Bombay High Court decision that upheld TISS’s controversial decision to suspend Ramdas for two years. The administration had accused him of “repetitive misconduct” and allegedly participating in “anti-national” activities, including public criticism of the central government and involvement in protests against the New Education Policy (NEP). The court, refusing to intervene, stated that the petition lacked merit. But to many in the academic community, the suspension reflects a deeply troubling trend of institutional overreach and the silencing of critical voices, especially those from marginalised communities.

Progressive groups and student organisations have denounced both the suspension and the high-handed response to the protest as emblematic of a growing intolerance for academic freedom and dissenting opinion in higher education. They also demanded that Ramdas’s fellowship be reinstated, and that TISS reassert its commitment to democratic principles rather than stifle them.

The entire incident—marked by the administrative advisory, police clampdown, and criminal complaints—underscores a growing climate of fear within campuses that were once known for nurturing critical thought and political engagement. The treatment of Ramdas P.S., a Dalit scholar, and the suppression of those who came out in solidarity with him, raise serious questions about caste-based discrimination and the erosion of democratic rights in public universities. As TISS joins the growing list of institutions where dissent is punished and student activism is under surveillance or is criminalised, this case serves as a sobering reminder that the fight for academic freedom is far from over.

Bombay High Court upholds TISS student’s suspension over politically motivated protest: A closer look at the judgment

In a significant order with troubling implications for dissent in academic spaces, the Bombay High Court had upheld the suspension of Ramdas. Ramdas was debarred for two years by the institute for his participation in a demonstration against the BJP government and the National Education Policy (NEP), held under the banner of the Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF–TISS). The division bench comprising Justice A.S. Chandurkar and Justice M.M. Sathaye found merit in the disciplinary action taken by TISS, stating that the protest was “politically motivated” and that the student’s actions had brought disrepute to the institute.

The court’s ruling leaned heavily on the institute’s claim that by participating in the protest under a banner mentioning “PSF–TISS”, the petitioner created the public impression that the political views expressed during the protest were endorsed by the institute itself. The bench observed, “It is therefore clear as sunshine that the said march was politically motivated, which the Petitioner participated in under the banner PSF–TISS in a student group. Therefore, the finding of the Committee that the Petitioner created an impression in general public that the politically motivated protest and views were the views of the Respondent/institution TISS, is founded on material available on record and no fault can be found to that extent. This has brought disrepute to the Institute in its view. Petitioner can have any political view of his choice, but so does the Institute.”

Ramdas, who had earlier completed a Master’s degree in Media and Cultural Studies from TISS and was pursuing his PhD on a scholarship from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, had been served a show-cause notice for participating in the “Parliament March” in Delhi on 12 January 2024. According to the institute, a poster released by PSF in connection with the march included the acronym “TISS”, creating the impression that it was an official representation. In his reply, Ramdas acknowledged his participation and admitted that “TISS” had been mentioned alongside PSF in a poster. Following an inquiry, the institute suspended him for two years and withheld his fellowship.

The court also examined a pamphlet circulated as part of the protest campaign which included slogans such as “Save India, Reject BJP” and accused the government of attempting to dismantle the public education system. The judges took particular issue with the fact that Ramdas expressed these political views while associating himself with the name of the institute. As the court stated, “The Petitioner has full freedom of expressing his political view; but to do so under the banner of Respondent Institute is what is objected to by the Institute.”

Referring to the Honour Code that students are required to abide by, the court noted that students explicitly undertake not to “malign the name of the Institution by presenting views on any platform, tarnishing/damaging the name of the institution in the public domain.” The bench held that Ramdas had violated this code by expressing his political stance under the TISS banner.

Another dimension of the court’s ruling pertained to the institute’s consideration of Ramdas’s past conduct. The student had reportedly taken part in an overnight protest outside the TISS Director’s bungalow, where students engaged in sloganeering that, according to the court, interfered with the Director’s personal life and rights. Though TISS had not taken disciplinary action for that incident at the time, the court held that it was within the institute’s rights to take such past conduct into account when determining punishment. The bench remarked, “It is settled position of law that in any inquiry, once the delinquent is given sufficient notice about past conduct or antecedents and opportunity is given to the reply to the same, the past conduct can be taken as material consideration while arriving at the quantum of punishment.”

The judges further reasoned that the two-year suspension was not disproportionate, nor did it amount to a violation of Ramdas’s fundamental right to freedom of expression. Since his conduct was found to be in breach of institutional rules, the court stated that disciplinary action was justified. The judgment concluded with a pointed remark about his use of public funds: “The Petitioner while enjoying the financial aid approved by the Respondent/Institute, participated in a clearly politically motivated protest in a student group under a banner having name PSF–TISS. Therefore, the necessary effect of such conduct on the decision of the Respondent Institute about grant is bound to follow.”

In view of these observations, the High Court dismissed the petition and upheld the disciplinary decision of TISS.

The complete order may be read here.

Ramdas vows to approach Supreme Court, calls suspension a threat to campus democracy

Following the Bombay High Court’s dismissal of his plea against suspension, Ramdas announced that he will challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court. Speaking to the Free Press Journal, Ramdas expressed his dismay at the outcome, stating, “It is shocking that the Hon. Bombay High Court dismissed the case after more than 10 months of legal procedure. Once I evaluate the full judgment, I will take this matter to the Supreme Court of India.”

He stressed that the issue goes beyond his individual case, arguing that it has wider implications for student rights and democratic expression within universities. “I deeply understand that this case is not just about me, but about the fundamental rights of all students and campus democracy in India’s higher education system. I believe this case may set a wrong precedent for universities across India to target students who have independent opinions. This is a brutal violation of Freedom of Expression guaranteed by the Constitution of India,” he said.

The controversy surrounding Ramdas’s suspension had also sparked broader concern within academic circles. On October 4, 2024, an assistant professor at the TISS Hyderabad campus, Arjun Sengupta, joined a student-led protest in solidarity with Ramdas. The demonstration was organised by the Progressive Students Organisation (PSO) and the Ambedkar Students’ Association at the institute’s off-campus centre. Shortly after his participation and a speech expressing support for Ramdas—parts of which circulated widely on social media—Sengupta was issued a show cause notice by the administration.

This sequence of events underscores growing unease over shrinking space for dissent in academic institutions and the increasing scrutiny faced by both students and faculty who voice critical or oppositional views.

Background of the Case: Political targeting alleged behind TISS student’s suspension

The suspension of Dalit PhD scholar Ramdas from TISS had raised questions about the repression of political expression in academic spaces. Following his suspension on April 18, 2024, the Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF) alleged that the institute had acted in retaliation for Ramdas’s activism, particularly his participation in a protest march.

According to the PSF, the TISS administration served Ramdas a show-cause notice on March 7, 2024, citing his involvement in the Parliament March and his social media post urging students to watch Ram Ke Naam, a 1992 National Award-winning documentary by Anand Patwardhan that critiques the Hindutva campaign behind the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The institute reportedly labelled this encouragement as an “anti-national act,” which added fuel to accusations that his suspension was politically motivated.

In response, TISS justified the suspension by claiming it was a consequence of “repetitive misconduct over a period of time.” In a statement dated April 20, 2024, the administration alleged that Ramdas had increasingly prioritised political activities over academic responsibilities. “Throughout his tenure, Ramdas KS exhibited a shift in focus towards activities unrelated to his academic pursuits, engaging in events, protests, and other activities influenced by personal political agendas,” it stated. The administration added that despite “repeated verbal and written advisories” to focus on his academic work, Ramdas had failed to comply.

In May 2024, Ramdas filed a petition before the Bombay High Court challenging his suspension. He argued that the disciplinary action violated his fundamental rights, particularly his right to freedom of speech and association, as guaranteed by the Constitution. His petition contended that the institute had constructed a false narrative to punish him for his political beliefs and activism. In addition to seeking a revocation of the suspension order, Ramdas requested permission to return to campus, resume his academic activities, and receive his scholarship stipend, which had also been withheld.

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We are writing this letter, as members of ALIYSA (All India Inquilabi Youth and Students Alliance) to express our deep dismay and anguish at the recent eviction notices sent to at least 12 PhD scholars to vacate the TISS Mumbai campus in 24 hours, issued from your office. We demand your immediate intervention, in a fair manner, to withdraw these eviction notices and ensure a dignified stay and completion of studies for these PhD students of TISS.

ALIYSA is an All-India non-partisan alliance of students and youth who have come together through NAPM (National Alliance of People’s Movements) to build solidarity for justice and equity for the youth and students across India. Coming from varying backgrounds of privileges and marginalisations, we stand beside every young person facing discrimination and injustice.

As a premier social sciences institute, TISS is considered a progressive institution in the country, with a legacy for upholding social justice values, both academically and institutionally. However, in the past decade, multiple such issues have come up where TISS has failed to ensure a just academic environment. Through academic and grassroots work, causes of social justice can be furthered and the values imbibed in our Constitution upheld. Students in university spaces and educational institutes have faced injustice and exclusion multiple times in recent years.

We are pained to know that the recent eviction notices are an addition in this spree of arbitrary actions where PhD scholars are being unfairly targeted. They have been asked to move out of the campus without appropriate notice or intimation. It was only some time back that the students had requested the administration for an extension to complete their thesis writing till September, to which your administration had agreed.

In a statement, you have claimed that scholars have taken beyond 5 years of time in completing their doctoral work. However, it is common knowledge that between 2019 to 2020, the students were off campus for over two years due to the COVID lockdown. Thus, they have only spent 3.5 years on the campus during their doctoral work. Further, as an old academic institution, TISS administration must be well-aware of the rigorous demands of a PhD program, that often extend beyond 5 years. Your statement comes across as a blame on students for taking more than 5 years.

We also want to highlight that most of the scholars who have been served with these notices come from vulnerable communities — SC, ST, OBC, De-notified and Nomadic Tribes. The costs involved in higher education at TISS are not easily affordable for all the students and hence the issue of pending balances cannot be pinned down on students. TISS states in its vision that it works for a “…just society that promotes and protects dignity, equality, social justice and human rights for all”.  It seems that the recent notices are instead violating these values for the scholars from vulnerable communities.

Several scholars who are served the notices have been active in critically questioning  actions of the administration

It is a struggle for students to reach university spaces to realise their dreams. When they succeed in that, a treatment of this sort breaks them and their dreams. Without giving prior intimation, serving such notices and only providing 24 hours to vacate the campus is beyond reason and any measure of the principles of natural justice. Educational institutions are meant to undo historical injustice faced by students from marginalized backgrounds and not perpetrate them further through such arbitrary actions.

Just a month ago, your institute had issued a mass termination notice to over 100 teaching and non-teaching staff across your four campuses which was retracted after the strong public condemnation. The recent notices after such mass termination are not just concerning but deeply disturbing.  They put a question mark on the future of students at this ‘premier’ institute.

It has also come to our notice that several scholars who are served these notices have been active in critically questioning the actions of the administration in the past. In light of this, the notices to these students look like motivated targeting of the politically conscious and articulate students and this depicts the anti-democratic nature of your administration.

Your public notice also states that it was merely a ‘request’ after ‘letting the scholars overstay in the campus with free meals, not paying semester fees and not completing their thesis work as well’. However, this claim is unsubstantiated, since several students who have received notices have been paying for availing these facilities.

You have been unfairly accusing students of ‘defaming the reputation of your institute and being politically motivated’. However, it is such arbitrary decisions and acts of repression on the student community that precipitate the situation and contribute to the downfall of the spirit and reputation of TISS.

We, at ALIYSA, strongly condemn the eviction notices and demand their immediate retraction. The students must be allowed a dignified graduation from PhD.

We look forward to your immediate intervention and fair, necessary action in this regard. Jai Samvidhan!

Click here for signatories 

Courtesy: CounterView

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As per a report by Indian Express, around 20 employees who had been let go were from the Mumbai branch, there were 15 from Hyderabad, and about 14 from Guwahati and 6 from Tuljapur. The rest of them were teaching staff were permanent faculty members employed by the UGC.

However, after intense backlash and criticism, the TISS management reportedly revoked the termination letters just a few days later, and reinstated those employees who were affected across its four campuses. However, this move was called unfair by several and was limited only to staff supported by the Tata Education Trust, leaving scores of others in uncertainty. Among those whose jobs are still terminated are notably those hired under the 12th Plan of the UGC? This group of people includes several faculty members who are the Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies. Their employment status remains uncertain as of now. Observers have drawn attention to how women’s studies programmes have faced targeted persecution over the years.

The letter by the alumni further asserts how the women’s studies departments have been pivotal to the feminist movement, and how “Women’s Studies departments have been rooted in the political recognition of the marginalisation of women through the UN International Decade for Women (1975-1985).”

The demands put forth in the letter include immediate reinstatement and “regularisation of contractual faculty and non-teaching staff under the UGC 12th Plan”, and with this it also alleges salaries are pending, as it demands the release of pending salaries. There’s also a demand for a structured timeline to regularise TET and UGC contractual employees that can ensure some financial stability in terms of the salaries. The letter also asks UGC for more transparency regarding vacant permanent UGC positions. Additionally, faculty members are also demanding inclusion in the decision-making processes with regards to recruitment, admissions, and institutional operations.

As per reports, the institute has cited a lack of funds and a non-receipt of grants from the TET for these terminations. Meanwhile, the Progressive Students Forum (PSF) have called out the ruling government led by BJP for the terminations and is going to lead to a scarcity of teaching and non-teaching staff, in a scenario where the student-teacher ratio is already skewed.

The Letter may be read here:

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The post TISS alumni write open letter against unjust termination appeared first on SabrangIndia.

According to multiple media reports, huge banners and posters have cropped up along the campus showing that a religious procession named “Shriram darbar shobha yatra” will be organised on January 21. In addition to this, an email sent by the institute’s administration to all students and residents on campus on January 17 announced a musical event titled “Ramdhun”, inspired by the Geet Ramayan, is scheduled for January 20 at the IDC auditorium within the campus.

The poster may be seen here.

As per a report of News18, the said email sent by the institute’s public relation office read “It is a pleasure to share the announcement with you of a program, based on the celebrated ‘Geet Ramayan’, on coming Saturday, January 20 at 4:30pm in the IDC auditorium…The program ‘Ramdhun’, will present a selection of songs from ‘Geet Ramayan’ together with some ‘Ram Bhajans’. The performers are from IIT-B community, including the spouses and children of staff and faculty members as well as some students. Hoping to see many of you in the program.” The News18 report also provided that when their team contacted the institute’s spokesperson on the events, they denied holding any event officially.

The email may be viewed here:

The said events end with a gaushala being inaugurated on the campus on the day of the consecration ceremony of the structure in Ayodhya on January 22 by IIT Bombay’s Director, Subhasis Chaudhuri. As per the News18 report, another email approved by the administration addressed to campus residents on January 19 said that IIT-Bombay’s director Subhasis Chaudhuri will be inaugurating a gaushala on January 22. As per the internal event invitation, Ashwini Bhide, additional municipal commissioner, will be the chief guest at the inauguration.

According to News18, “The inauguration ceremony for the new gaushala is scheduled for January 22, 2024 (Monday)… Ashwini Bhide AMC (BMC) and Prof Subhasis Chaudhuri, director, IIT-B will be inaugurating it…”

News 18 is a channel owned by the Ambanis and is one electronic media outlet that has seen aggressive overtones of majoritarian reportage.

An internal invite email by Sudhir Shantaram Bhave, on behalf of the IIT-B cattle management committee stated: “As you all can witness, our campus, streets, grounds, academic, hostel and residential areas and various other activity locations are now free from uncontrolled cattle movement. This has become possible through the dedicated efforts of the committee in collaboration with the Cattle Welfare Group (CWG) and an esteemed NGO. This initiative of the institute, creating dedicated shelters and arrangements, helped in the enhanced management of cattle movement and the mitigation of cattle-human conflict. Since December 2019, gaushala activities have been managed in temporary sheds, albeit with certain limitations. It is with great pleasure that we announce the completion of our new improved gaushala in the picturesque lakeside area behind the Devi Padmavati temple. This milestone project marks a significant step forward in our commitment to the welfare of our campus environment.” According to the email, Gopal Rai, an IIT-B alumnus, and his construction company, Dhirendra Group of Companies (DGC) helped make the gaushala a reality. The said cowshed will a permanent gaushala behind the Padmavati temple near the campus’s lakeside.

The email may be read here:

Notably, in the third email shared on January 19, the institute announced a half-day closure on January 22, as per instructions by central government, till 2:30 PM.

These aforementioned events being organised at campus has attracted severe criticism. In response to these developments, the Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle, a student collective at IIT Bombay, has raised concerns with the increasing alignment of the institute with “Hindutva political forces”, compromising its commitment to the values of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

The group also condemned what they perceive as the institute’s submission to right-wing political forces while suppressing activities of independent student collectives, shedding light on the use of contradicting “apolitical” guidelines to cancel academic talks and gatherings. As per these guidelines, which were issued on November 14, 2023, students and faculty are only allowed to only organise “apolitical” events at the campus.

The guidelines may be read here:

“The institute had very recently declared that it shall ‘remain apolitical in all its endeavours’ and has been using the new guidelines to cancel and censor several academic talks and gatherings on campus. It is shocking that the institute allowed such politically-aligned events to be organised while inviting all campus residents to it. The institute bows down to political forces while on the other hand it continues to suppress any activity by the independent student collectives,” said APPSC on their post on social media.

The guidelines for holding events on campus stated that these may be classified in two categories – “purely non-political’ and “potentially political”. The latter can cause socio-political controversies and must be avoided, it said.

The social media post of APPSC stated the follows:

“A line of events being carried out on campus by the IITB administration shows that it has started crawling in front of Hindutva political forces, giving up on the principle of Secularism in the Indian Constitution.

The institute has reportedly given permission to a procession called “Shriram darbar shobha yatra” happening on 21st January in campus. The Director will be inaugurating a Goshala on 22nd. Another musical event called “Ramdhun” will be happening on 20th.

Very recently though the institute had declared that its shall “remain apolitical in all its endeavors,” and has been using the new guidelines to cancel and censor several academic talks and gatherings on campus.

We condemn the surrender of this institute in front of the right-wing political forces while on the other hand it continues to suppress any activity by the independent student collectives.”

The post may be read here:

A line of events being carried out on campus by the @iitbombay administration shows that it has started crawling in front of Hindutva political forces, giving up on the principle of Secularism in the Indian Constitution. pic.twitter.com/DunAwQ8SEg

— APPSC IIT Bombay (@AppscIITb) January 19, 2024

Another highly regarded educational institute of Mumbai, namely the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has taken adverse and unconstitutional steps in view of the approaching inauguration ceremony of Uttar Pradesh. As per a report of Maktoob media, a notice has been issued by the registrar of TISS Mumbai restricting their right to freedom of expression and speech, asking the students to not organise or participate in any public program opposing the Ram temple consecration.

The circular, which was published on January 18, stated that the administration had decided to officially prevent any such activities after having heard that a group of students were planning to protest against the Ram temple event as per Maktoob media. Students have been asked to refrain from any gatherings of dissent failing which the “law-enforcing agency” will take action against those who violate the warning.

“We advise all students not to indulge in any such unauthorised activities and we also strictly warn students not to participate in any such activities or demonstrations, failing which the law-enforcing agency will take necessary action against those students found indulging in such activities. Please take urgent note of the same and take care of yourself,” the notice read, as per the Times of India.

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MUMBAI: A student collective on the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) campus, Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF), moved the Bhagat Singh Memorial Lecture online, after it did not get permission to invite outsiders for delivering the lecture. The topic for the event was ‘India’s Faltering Democracy – Times of Rising Hate and Threats to Secularism’. Harsh Mander, one of the speakers invited thereafter delivered the lecture online.

President of the JNU Students’ Union Aishe Ghosh was also invited for the fifth BMSL event to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the revolutionary. The online event was held at the decided time (7pm) on Thursday. Officially, the institute officials told The Times of India, that the collective did not follow procedures laid down for students’ activities. The same collective had defied the institute’s advisories and watched the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January on the campus.

Before starting his lecture, Mander mentioned that he had been coming to the institute many times under different directors, but today “I find my entries are barred into your (TISS) and therefore, we found ways through technology to speak.” This obstruction has come just a few days after the Ministry of Home Affairs recommended a probe against Aman Biradari, an NGO established by Mander. Ghosh also condemned the refusal of permission to hold the event.

The students speaking to The Times of India contended that they have been holding the BMSL for the last five years and never had a problem. They have alleged that the administration had imposed censorship and denied permission for external expert resource persons after the air tickets of speakers were booked. The students also rejected all ‘problematic and insensitive proposals from the current administration’.

“Events are to be organised in collaboration with the official students’ union or anchored by a faculty member or school. Several other events have been organised by students’ groups following all the guidelines and have been a success. Rules cannot be changed for one group,” said an institute official.

Related:

Civil society stands in solidarity with Harsh Mander, CES

Enforcement Directorate raids activist Harsh Mander’s home, orphanage, offices

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The Progressive Students’ Forum, which describes itself as “a students’ initiative to build a democratic, secular space, & a culture of rational, inclusive thinking that contributes to various struggles,” has expressed serious concerns at the recent appointment of Col Rakesh Mohan Joshi as the registrar of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). 

The group wrote an open letter to the TISS governing board chairman, Subramaniam Ramadorai, bringing to his notice the social media posts made by the registrar. They highlighted that many of the comments / social media posts by Col Joshi appear to be “communal” and “Islamophobic”. He has even used terms like “Jihadi”, which are often used by hate speech makers to target the minority communities. 

The students group attached a collection of screenshots to illustrate their points. Here Col Joshi is purportedly seen re-tweeting posts which use troll favoured terms like ‘presstitutes’ for journalists. If retweets are not endorsements, as the trope goes, then Col Joshi is also seen using those words in his own tweets from last year, of which the students have taken screen shots. However, by Monday evening. The Twitter page from which these screen shots were taken, seems to have been deleted. His personal Facebook page is still alive though, a cursory look gives an indication of what the students are alleging. 

The students group at TISS, in their open letter, have alleged that Col Joshi’s post targeted a religious minority community. TISS, established in 1936 as the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work, and renamed in 1944, as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences is known as an institution of excellence.

In their own descriptions they state that their vision “ continually responds to changing social realities through the development and application of knowledge, towards creating a people-centred, ecologically sustainable and just society that promotes and protects dignity, equality, social justice and human rights for all.”

However the students objecting to the social media posts by the new registrar of the institute state that while TISS is known for “its unapologetic stance on upholding the constitutional principles of plurality, freedom of speech, secularism and social justice for the marginalized sections. Its teaching and research programmes”, the registrar’s views are “the antithesis of many core ideas and ideals the institute stands for”. 

They point out that his social media posts reflect “the same bias and propaganda of demonising of people of the Muslim community. This is yet again Islamophobic and communal in nature. This goes against the very principle of equality and fraternity on which our nation is built on.”

This is the full text of the letter:

Respected Chairman,

We write to you to express our deep concern with regard to the appointment of the new Registrar of the Institute.

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences has been known for its unapologetic stance on upholding the constitutional principles of plurality, freedom of speech, secularism and social justice for the marginalized sections. Its teaching and research programmes, evolved over many decades, are symbols of these commitments. Given this commendable history of the institute, the appointment of the new Registrar of TISS is very worrisome. The Registrar is the administrative head of the institute. The Registrar is a person who is responsible for taking decisions on important questions, many of which may be contentious, in an unbiased and democratic manner. The campus is not a military battlefield where only one side survives and the other perishes. It is a space for democratic dialogue, and a meeting point of opposing views. The very future of this space is a fundamental question we all are facing in the contemporary national situation. Hence, it is the duty of all of us to ensure that this space for dialogue is protected and nourished.

The new Registrar has been very active on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where he has a number of public posts and comments. We are appalled at reading many of these views, which are the antithesis of many core ideas and ideals the institute stands for. Reading these points of view have been a highly distressing experience for the student community in the Institute. We are deeply worried about the implications of these dangerous positions he has publicly taken to the way the institute will be administered during his tenure.

We attach with the letter some such instances of disheartening comments by the new registrar. These records have been taken from the public profile of Col. R M Joshi, which goes with ID @rmjoshi64 on Twitter and @rm.joshi.56 on Facebook. In both the SM handles, the personal bio is explicitly provided as Registrar, Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Hence, we fully believe that it is the social media account of the newly appointed registrar – Col R. M. Joshi. Please see the attached screenshots.

1. Attachments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 show the targeting of a particular religious minority community, invoking of incendiary labels like ‘Jihadi’ and insinuating the link of a particular religion with ‘Terrorism’. These are blatantly Islamophobic and communal in nature. The attachments show that he has actively participated in the vilification of a particular religious minority community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has to be noted that on 21 August 2020 Bombay High Court had observed while quashing the FIRs against the foreigners who had attended Tablighi Jamat Congregation that firstly there was a big propaganda in print and electronic media against them. Secondly, it appears that the State Government acted under political compulsion and thirdly that the propaganda against the religious activity was unwarranted.

We believe the sharing of such posts by the new Registrar is out of the same bias and propaganda of demonising of people of the Muslim community. This is yet again Islamophobic and communal in nature. This goes against the very principle of equality and fraternity on which our nation is built on.

2. Attachments 8 and 9 depict the vilification of protesting students in various eminent central universities of the country. We believe this is highly concerning, since social activism and social intervention are taught as part of the curriculum in various courses in TISS. Viewing the processes of dissent in such a derogative light, singling out protesting students and calling for their rustication is a terrible precedent to set for an administrator of any educational institution, let alone an institute so deeply involved in our social and political fabric as TISS.

3. Attachments 10 and 11 are comments that show the intolerance of the new Registrar towards the anti-CAA protests. By calling for the arrest of all the women of Shaheen Bagh, who were expressing their dissent to the Act in an extremely peaceful manner, and labelling cultural activists like Varun Grover as ‘someone who was found on the street’, the Registrar has descended in to the worst forms of name-calling and fear-mongering as well as a social complex of superiority. People “on the street” is a section for which TISS, through its project named Koshish, is doing commendable work with regard to destitution and homelessness.

4. Attachment 12 talks about his understanding that the failure of our country to produce vaccine is because the person who got 90% is selling pakodas and a person who got 40% is experimenting in lab. This is inherently castiest in nature and goes against the reservation policy mandated through Indian Constitution. This in turn reflects the caste superiority complex and effectively questions the affirmative actions taken for the upliftment of the marginalised sections. It is important to note the contrast where TISS has courses on Dalit and Tribal Studies Action and Centre for Social Exclusion and Inclusion.

5. Attachment 13 & 14 shows the misogynistic language and deep-rooted patriarchy with the usage and labelling of women as ‘PRESSTITUTES’. He is using it with words like paid/unpaid and dishonor. These remarks are highly sexist in nature and is outraging the modesty of women. TISS has multidisciplinary Centers like Advanced Center for Women Studies and Women Centered Practice which has done pioneering work not only in the field of academia but also on ground related to the rights of women. These stark contrast between the work and ethos of the Institute and the new Registrar needs to be duly noted.

6. As already mentioned, the post of Registrar should stand for unbiasedness and a commitment to a democratic and fair way of governing the Institute. However, we believe that this attribute for the new registrar is in a serious question with his public following and retweeting of contentious views of Mr.  Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak of RSS. Attachment 15, 16 & 17 for reference.

These are only some examples of highly provocative and biased statements made by the Registrar on public platforms. But we hope we have presented to you enough evidence to substantiate our position on why we think the new Registrar is unfit to be appointed to the position. Furthermore, we would like to borrow a few words from the Vision Statement of the institute, and say that the institute requires an administrator who truly believes in “promoting and protecting dignity, equality, social justice and human rights for all”.

We hope you will act in good faith of this vision that has been at the core of the celebrated history of this institute. We look forward to hearing from you on this matter of great concern.

Regards,

Asika VM -President, PSF

Ramadas KS -General Secretary, PSF  

Related: 

Tata Institute of Social Sciences Students’ Union issues statement on Delhi violence
TISS SU demands immediate release of student Kris Chudawala
“Show some empathy”: TISS-SU General Secretary Fahad Ahmad to Nitish Kumar

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The Students’ Union of the Tata Institute of Social Studies has issued a statement condemning the current violence in Delhi. In a letter titled, ‘TISS SU stands against Hindutva violence in Delhi’ the members have written that they are alarmed by the unprecedented rise of tension in Delhi and particularly the North East regions of the city.

The letter states, “The on-going protests against NRC-CAA-NPR in the country have been used by opportunistic Hindutva leaders to raise false sentiments of its cadres against the protests that are being conducted for the protection of the Constitution. This is clearly visible in how women protestors have been lathi charged brutally at Jaffarabad and Hauz Rani by Delhi Police during the Bharat Bandh against scuttling of reservations and implementation of CAA, and the violence that was unleashed upon peaceful protesters by BJP-RSS goons. The deliberate provocation by the Sanghi Henchmen is openly visible where stone pelting, arson, and carnage rule the streets where the peaceful protesters had been voicing out their demand for the repealing of CAA. To all Well-meaning citizens of the Nation, it is clear who the “Anti-nationals” really are, who wants to end the Secular fabric of our Nation guaranteed by the Constitution, and who wants to bring about a Fascist Utopia in this nation.”

Questioning the selective sensitivity of the government and the claims of protecting the national interest, the letter asked whose national interest were they looking at if there had been 35 reported deaths, including of a policeman and several others were left injured in the violence allegedly orchestrated by the Sangh Parivar.

The TISS SU also said in the letter, “We strongly urge the AAP led Delhi Government to take a robust stand against the Communal Hate and growing polarisation, and safeguard peace and harmony for the people of Delhi, and the peaceful Anti CAA-NRC-NPR protests throughout the city. It is also of utmost Shame to to know that when parts of the National Capital are burning, National and Corporate Media is fixated on diverting issues on the visit of Trump whose foul language and right-wing agenda is being overlooked to waste billions of taxpayers’ money in empty pomp and show when the Nation struggles in feeding its own people and is going against its Constitutional Spirit.”

The SU also condemned the media coverage stating that while the media was terming the violence as a “Pro and Anti CAA” matter, it was actually “anti-Muslim mob violence”.

In the letter, the TISS SU requested for all well-meaning citizens to stand against the radical communalization of the Republic of India. It said, “TISS SU appeals to all well-meaning citizens to not fall into the trap of communalization by the Brahmanical Hindu Right and maintain unity in the Struggle against this Fascist Regime. The Peaceful protests must go on, and we call upon all concerned persons, civil societies and students to not give in to the violently growing polarisation caused by the Hindutva Breakdown on the protestors.”

The entire letter by the TISS SU may be read below.

Related:

Activist Harsh Mander sets up helplines, support groups for victims, other community members targeted in the Delhi violence

Delhi Minorities Commission writes to Delhi DCP North East

ACT NOW, do not wait for court’s order: Delhi HC

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The Students’ Union of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai Campus has released a statement condemning the maligning of the institute and it students for participating in protests which is a right granted to all the people of India by the Constitution.

The statement talks about the arrest of TISS student Kris Chudawala who was slapped with charges of sedition for raising slogans at Azad Maidan during the Mumbai Pride 2020. Kris Chudawala had shown solidarity with arrested Jawaharlal Nehru Student Sharjeel Imam who was arrested amid the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests. Chudawala had raised the slogan – “Sharjeel tere sapnon ko hum manzil tak pahunchayenge.”

A Mumbai Sessions court on Wednesday rejected Kris’ anticipatory bail application and no interim relief has been given to them for appeal in the High Court as well.

The statement by TISS reads, “In a judgment of the Honourable Supreme Court it is held that only raising slogans cannot constitute sedition unless there is an implicit threat of violence. Using these charges to curb the dissenting voices of the oppressed is highly condemnable. Sedition itself is an out-dated colonial law, which has and continues to be used against minorities, human rights defenders, civil rights activists and other dissenters as a political tool.”

It says that the attack on the young trans student is politically motivated, an example of political persecution and it amounts to hate crime and also mentions that Kris, at the same pride gathering had also read out ‘The Preamble of the Constitution of India’, which was witnessed by all the people present at the venue, thereby negating all claims of them being anti-national.

The students’ union also says that the FIR against Chudawala is just another in line of the systematic attacks on dissenting student voices across the country. It condemns the sedition charges on Akhil Gogoi, Sharjeel Imam and the faculty of the Shaheen School in Bidar and a parent of the student from the institute, demanding the immediate release of those arrested.

Using strong words to express their displeasure against the government’s actions, the statement says, “These fascist forces are shook by the students and civil society driving the movement against the undemocratic, anti-secular and anti-indigenous moves of the State. Disproportionate and manipulative targeting can be witnessed when irresponsible and violent statements given by elected representatives to the like of “Goli Maaro S***on Ko” go with no action being taken upon them. In the face of resistance, questioning our nationalism and allegiance to the country is a method they want to adopt in order to delegitimize struggles. We want to reiterate that fascism is the real threat to the unity and integrity of the country.”

The students’ union also condemned the media for the labelling and portrayal of Kris as an adversary to their own community, and as an ‘outsider’. It said that the media houses were completely queer exclusionary in nature and have failed to be sensitive in their reportage of issues related to queer individuals; violating privacy of individuals, mis-gendering them and sharing pictures thus causing permanent damage to their lives.

In its concluding statement, the students’ union calls on for other students to support them in their fight against the government and the biased media. It demands that the FIR against Kris Chudawala be dropped immediately and expresses solidarity with the students striving to protect the principles enshrined in the Constitution.

Related:

Sedition charges against 51 including transgender activist for chanting pro-Sharjeel slogans
Pinjra Tod condemns govt for rampant use of sedition charges
Mumbai Pride: Thousands stand in solidarity against CAA, NPR-NRC
How NRC further marginalises Transgender people
Sedition charge on Karnataka school for anti-CAA skit

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General Secretary of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ Student Union (TISS-SU) and Senior Research Fellow at TISS, Fahad Ahmad at a rally in Kishanganj, Bihar protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the National Population Register (NPR) demanded that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar immediately release a notification to stop the process of NPR from being implemented in the state.

Today Attended a Rally In Kishanganj (Bihar) which was organized by Student Fraternity

We demanded ‘Paltu Ram’ of Bihar should Stop doing his “Alti-Palti” and immediately release a notification to stop the process of NPR……#IndiaDoesSupportCAA @Shehla_Rashid @kanhaiyakumar pic.twitter.com/696jsmnqM5

— Fahad Ahmad (@FahadTISS) January 2, 2020

Ahmad requested the Bihar CM to remember his days of student activism and “show some empathy towards the current issue.”

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has been branded as a ‘paltu ram’ (turncoat) by many. He had supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Parliament after opposing the NRC publicly and assuring that it won’t be implemented in the state. He has been under attack from the Opposition and the people of Bihar since.

The CM’s populairity has dwindled ever since and the people of Bihar are now apprehensive about his assurances citing that it was Kumar who had called for a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) free India, but supported the BJP with regards to the CAB.

Even Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav had ‘challenged’ the Bihar CM to ‘order suspension’ of the ongoing NPR work. Asking the CM to walk the talk, he had tweeted –

Assuming turncoat, rudderless, fickle Nitish Kumar has an ounce of intent to not implement NRC in Bihar, he must order suspension of preparation of NRP (National Population Register) with immediate effect until this unconstitutional law of #CAA is repealed! Walk the talk Mr. CM!

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) December 31, 2019

States like Rajasthan, Kerala and West Bengal have publicly announced that they have put on hold the NPR work in their states, much to the exasperation of the BJP-led government at the Centre. Even the Congress-ruled states are set to reject the NPR in its existing format. The NPR is seen as a pre-cursor to the proposed all-India NRC and for the first time, the place of birth has been introduced in the NPR making it to be a yardstick to gather information for the NRC.

Mass protests have erupted since the CAB became an Act and since then the Modi government has been trying to allay the anger of the people who are seeing the unholy trinity of the CAA-NPR-NRC as being religiously discriminative and putting the future of the marginalized communities at stake.

Related:

Muslim festivals left out of NPR instruction manual
Kerala passes resolution for withdrawal of CAA
Kamal Nath leads protest march against CAA-NRC in MP
Rajasathan says ‘No’ to NPR

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