The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has revised its honour code for Master’s students, requiring them to sign an undertaking as part of the admission process and acknowledge that TISS reserves the right to terminate their enrolment for violating institutional policies. As per students, this year unlike previous years the undertaking notably includes a commitment to refrain from engaging in political, anti-establishment, or unpatriotic discussions, as well as from participating in demonstrations, dharnas, or any activities that could disrupt the academic environment. Some students have criticised this move as “undemocratic” and have expressed that the new rules aim to suppress dissent. The change has sparked debate, with some seeing it as a measure to maintain order, while others view it as a way to silence free speech.

One student, speaking on the condition of anonymity, criticised the move, saying, “With recent events on campus, where students have openly opposed the administration on many issues, the institute has come up with this new trick to trap students from raising their voices against unjust policies and to curb democracy on campus.”