The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai has banned the Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF), a Left-oriented student organization, from its campus. The administration accused the PSF of “misleading students” and “defaming the institute.” The order further restricts any student or faculty member from supporting or associating with the PSF, warning of disciplinary action for those who violate these directives.

But why did TISS take such a drastic step against the PSF?

The ban appears to be rooted in the increasing friction between the institute’s administration and student groups that align with Left-leaning ideologies. The PSF has often been vocal in its criticism of institutional policies, raising issues such as privatization, caste discrimination, and the shrinking space for dissent on campus. The administration has labeled these activities as disruptive, claiming that they tarnish the reputation of the institute and create unrest.

However, many students see the ban as an attempt to silence dissent and curb student activism. The move has sparked widespread debate, with students and activists questioning whether the administration is stifling freedom of speech and expression. The ban has also triggered protests on campus, with many arguing that such measures undermine the democratic values that educational institutions should uphold.

The broader context of this ban may reflect the growing tensions between student activism and institutional control in India, where campuses have increasingly become battlegrounds for political ideologies. The TISS administration’s decision to ban the PSF raises important questions about the balance between maintaining order and allowing space for political expression in academic settings.