Mumbai: TISS revokes ban on students' outfit, modifies 'controversial' honour code

MUMBAI: Almost a month after the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) imposed a ban on the students' collective, Progressive Students' Forum (PSF), the administration revoked it on Monday. The institute also modified the 'controversial' students' honour code that restrained students from indulging in 'political' or 'anti-establishment' discussions, dharnas.The ban on PSF was lifted after a review by the institute's competent authority.
In a public notice issued late on Monday evening, the institute mentioned, 'The TISS administration remains committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all the members of the institute and it urges all members to refrain from any actions or activities that may disrupt the academic atmosphere or tarnish the reputation of the institute'. It further added, 'This decision has been taken to preserve the values of mutual respect, unity and academic integrity on our campuses, ensuring that this continue to be a space of positive engagement and academic growth'.
The institute had banned PSF calling it 'unauthorised' and 'illegal' through an office order issued on August 19. After several protest letters and a detailed letter written to the chancellor of the institute by PSF, the institute had decided to review the ban. Following the review, the ban was revoked on Monday.
Monday's notice further requested students to adhere to the revised institute's honour code dated September 16. The earlier code had included a pledge that needed students to declare that he/she will not indulge in any political, anti-establishment, unpatriotic discussions, demonstrations, dharna or any form of activities that disturb the academic environment of the institute and that any such infringement would attract action. The inclusion of this pledge in this year's honour code had raised many eyebrows on the campus.
The modified honour code, released on Monday, has removed this pledge and only mentioned that the institute reserved the right to take disciplinary action if there is any violation of institute's rules or policies.
PSF, in a statement on social media, welcomed the office order revoking the ban and assured to continue its struggle for the students' community. They called the ban an 'undemocratic' attempt by the institute to restrict the fundamental right of students to free speech and expression.