TISS honour code revised: What new rules say and why students are worried

Courtesy: X

The 'honour code' that Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) students are required to sign this year has banned their participation in any political discussions, dharnas or demonstrations that are either "unpatriotic" or "anti-establishment".

As the new academic year has begun this month (August) at the TISS, the institution has found itself at the center of a controversy following the introduction of the revised code. Students are demanding that the institute either remove the clause or provide clear definitions of the terms used in the honour code.

TISS students have to sign an undertaking, pledging to adhere to the code, that reads: "I would not indulge in any political, anti-establishment, unpatriotic discussions, demonstrations, dharna or any form of activities that disturb the academic environment of the institute. I understand that any infringements would attract strict action against me."

The revised code also suggests withdrawal and termination of the student's admission if he or she flouts this norm. The undertaking reads: "I acknowledge that the TISS reserves the right to terminate my enrolment for violations of TISS policies or other reasons as specified in the institute’s regulations. I would not indulge in any political, anti-establishment, unpatriotic discussions, demonstrations, dharna or any form of activities that disturbs the academic environment of the institute. I understand that any infringements would attract strict action against me."

The honour code was instituted in 2017, and over the years TISS is known to make changes in its terms and conditions.

A few months ago in April this year, the institute banned the Progressive Students' Forum (PSF), a student collective active for over 12 years, labeling it as "unauthorized" and "illegal." This decision followed the unofficial screening of a banned BBC documentary in January.

TISS officials have maintained that revisions in the code is a continuous process as the institution identifies relevant issues and the news measures are being implemented to uphold decorum on the university campus.