MUMBAI: TISS has revoked its ban on Progressive Students' Forum (PSF), Left-leaning students' collective , and modified its honour code to remove a mandatory pledge from students against "indulging in any political, anti-establishment, unpatriotic discussions, demonstrations, dharna or any form of activities that disturb the academic environment of the institute".
The ban, imposed on Aug 19 after calling PSF unauthorised and illegal, was revoked on Monday evening after a review by the institute's "competent authority" and following "detailed deliberations", said TISS in its order. It said the decision was taken to "preserve the values of mutual respect, unity and academic integrity". PSF has been active on the campus since 2012. Following the ban, it had sent a detailed appeal letter to the chancellor of the institute, seeking his intervention, and support for it had poured in from alumni and teachers.
In the same Monday order, the institute asked students to adhere to a revised honour code, dated Sept 16, which has toned down the controversial pledge. The pledge had been met with widespread criticism and students had termed it "undemocratic". The new honour code states: "...I acknowledge that TISS reserves the right to take disciplinary action against the violations of its rules, policies, or for any other reasons as specified in the institute's regulations. I commit to refrain from any actions or activities that may disrupt the academic environment or damage the reputation of the institute..."
The institute urged students and faculty to "refrain from any actions or activities that may disrupt the academic atmosphere or tarnish the reputation of the institute". "TISS administration remains committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of the institute..." it said.
In a statement, PSF welcomed the revocation of the ban and said it will continue its struggle for the students' community. It called the ban an "undemocratic" attempt to restrict the fundamental right of students to free speech and expression. "The revision of the honour code is an assertion that university campuses shall continue to be spaces for open discussions and debates that will provide a platform for students to put forward their opinions without any fear," it said in a statement.
The ban, imposed on Aug 19 after calling PSF unauthorised and illegal, was revoked on Monday evening after a review by the institute's "competent authority" and following "detailed deliberations", said TISS in its order. It said the decision was taken to "preserve the values of mutual respect, unity and academic integrity". PSF has been active on the campus since 2012. Following the ban, it had sent a detailed appeal letter to the chancellor of the institute, seeking his intervention, and support for it had poured in from alumni and teachers.
In the same Monday order, the institute asked students to adhere to a revised honour code, dated Sept 16, which has toned down the controversial pledge. The pledge had been met with widespread criticism and students had termed it "undemocratic". The new honour code states: "...I acknowledge that TISS reserves the right to take disciplinary action against the violations of its rules, policies, or for any other reasons as specified in the institute's regulations. I commit to refrain from any actions or activities that may disrupt the academic environment or damage the reputation of the institute..."
The institute urged students and faculty to "refrain from any actions or activities that may disrupt the academic atmosphere or tarnish the reputation of the institute". "TISS administration remains committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of the institute..." it said.
In a statement, PSF welcomed the revocation of the ban and said it will continue its struggle for the students' community. It called the ban an "undemocratic" attempt to restrict the fundamental right of students to free speech and expression. "The revision of the honour code is an assertion that university campuses shall continue to be spaces for open discussions and debates that will provide a platform for students to put forward their opinions without any fear," it said in a statement.
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