On August 19, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai took decisive action against the Progressive Students Forum (PSF), an organization with ties to the Left-leaning Students Federation of India (SFI). TISS issued a formal notice declaring the ban of PSF, citing serious allegations that the group had been engaging in activities detrimental to the academic environment and the institute's reputation. The notice, signed by Registrar Professor Anil Sutar, labeled PSF as "unauthorized and illegal" on campus.

According to the details provided in the notice, PSF has allegedly been involved in a series of disruptive behaviors. These include misleading students, obstructing institutional operations, sowing divisions among students and faculty, and tarnishing the reputation of TISS. The institute expressed its concerns, stating, "This group has been engaging in activities that obstruct the institute’s functions, defame the institute, demean members of our community, and create divisions among students and faculty. It has been observed that this group is misleading, distracting and misguiding students from their academic pursuit and harmonious life in the campus."

In response to these allegations, TISS has taken stringent measures to ensure the organization ceases all forms of activity on its campus. The administration has prohibited any PSF member from organizing or participating in campus events. The notice warns that any attempt to contravene this directive "will be met with immediate intervention and consequences."

Further emphasizing the need for vigilance, TISS has urged the student body to report any interactions with PSF members to campus security, which is committed to handling such reports with the highest level of confidentiality. The notice reinforces the institute's dedication to maintaining a safe and cooperative academic atmosphere, concluding with a stern warning: "Any student or faculty member found supporting, associating with, or propagating the group’s divisive ideologies will face disciplinary action as per institute policies."

TISS student and PSF member suspended for two years for anti-national activities

On April 18, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) took disciplinary action against Ramadas Prini Sivanandan, a PhD candidate and a known member of the Progressive Students Forum (PSF). He was suspended for a period of two years, a decision stemming from his "repeated misconduct and anti-national activities." This action was in response to his leadership in a protest march that openly criticized the central government’s policies, which TISS regarded as a severe violation of its disciplinary codes.

The suspension of Ramadas not only prevents him from attending any TISS campus but also involved a formal show-cause notice that demanded an explanation for his conduct. The notice highlighted several grievances against him, including the screening of controversial documentaries and the organization of unauthorized events. These activities, as noted by the institute, were particularly contentious because they involved the use of TISS's resources to promote political agendas. The administration has expressed concerns that such actions could potentially damage the institution’s reputation.

According to TISS, the actions of Ramadas went beyond mere participation in campus politics; they constituted a misuse of the institute’s facilities and a breach of the trust placed in him as a student. The notice explicitly mentioned, "Ramadas, a member of the Student Federation of India, is accused of using the institute’s resources for political purposes, which the administration claims tarnishes the institution’s reputation."

PSF’s controversial history

Recent developments at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) have once again spotlighted the Progressive Students Forum (PSF), particularly concerning its history of controversial activities and the timing of its ban. According to a report by the Indian Express, members of PSF were taken aback by the abrupt prohibition of their organization, which was enforced just minutes before they were set to initiate a signature campaign. This campaign was aimed at addressing grievances directly to the TISS Chancellor, highlighting several unresolved issues within the institution.

The timing of the ban raised questions among the PSF members, who were planning to challenge this decision legally. Over the past few years, PSF has been involved in numerous contentious incidents. Notably, in January 2023, the group participated in screening the controversial BBC documentary "India: The Modi Question" on campus. This act was in direct defiance of the government of India's ban on the documentary, reflecting PSF’s willingness to challenge regulatory norms.

Further instances of controversy occurred in March 2023 when PSF members staged a protest outside the director’s residence. They claimed that the administration was obstructing their efforts to organize the Bhagat Singh Memorial Lecture, which was to feature speakers like Harsh Mander and JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh. In November of the same year, PSF voiced strong opposition to changes in the TISS admission process, specifically the discontinuation of the institute’s entrance test in favor of the Central University Entrance Test (CUET), arguing that it undermined the institute’s autonomy.

We have reviewed PSF’s history on social media and noted that the organization has consistently expressed support for the Palestinian cause, often posting content that is critical of Israel. One particularly provocative post included the slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," a phrase that has been criticized for implying the elimination of Israel. This post was made shortly after a severe terrorist attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,300 Israelis and foreigners, amplifying the controversial nature of PSF’s rhetoric and activities.

The Progressive Students Forum (PSF) at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has consistently been in the headlines for its involvement in various controversial incidents, the latest relating to an expression of solidarity with Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and editor of Newsclick. On October 3, 2023, Purkayastha was arrested by Delhi Police under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), accused of receiving foreign funds from China purportedly for conducting anti-India activities. Concurrently, Amit Chakravarty, the HR head of Newsclick, was also arrested, and the Newsclick office in Delhi was raided and sealed in connection to these allegations.

PSF’s support for Purkayastha was highlighted in a social media post where they expressed solidarity amidst these serious charges. This stance is consistent with PSF’s history of supporting figures and causes that are often seen as contentious or at odds with governmental policies.

Additionally, in April 2024, PSF joined hands with five other student organizations to issue a statement opposing the circular released by TISS administration. This circular outlined a Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for students and staff in the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The opposition to the MCC indicates PSF's continued activism in the realm of institutional policies, particularly those it perceives as restrictive or unjust.

The group's active involvement on the TISS campus spans over a decade, during which time members of PSF have occupied significant roles within the Student Union, including the position of vice-president of the outgoing Student Union. This long-term presence highlights PSF’s deep-rooted influence and the significant role it has played in shaping student politics and discourse at TISS.