On August 19, 2024, the administration of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) issued a notice that has sparked significant controversy and concern among students, faculty, and human rights advocates. The notice declared the Progressive Student Forum (PSF) an unauthorized and illegal entity, citing that the forum was obstructing the institute's functions, defaming the institution, and creating divisions among its community members. The administration’s decision imposed an immediate ban on PSF's activities and access to all institute premises. Furthermore, it warned that any student or faculty member found supporting or associating with PSF would face disciplinary actions.

HRDA is viewing it as a repressive act against the student body's activism. HRDA believes that the restriction on PSF undermines fundamental rights enshrined in various international and regional human rights instruments.

The right to freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies and is protected by several key international documents:

1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Article 19 of the UDHR affirms the right to freedom of opinion and expression. It states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
2. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Article 19 of the ICCPR similarly guarantees the right to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas. This covenant emphasizes the importance of protecting this right against undue restrictions.
3. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD): Article 5(d)(viii) of ICERD highlights the right to freedom of expression as a critical component in the fight against racial discrimination, ensuring that individuals can freely express their views and ideas.
4. The Declaration on Human Rights Defenders: Article 6 of this Declaration underscores the right of individuals to participate in peaceful activities to promote and protect human rights, including the right to express opinions and advocate for change.

We urge the Hon’ble Commission to take cognisance of the above case and urgently:

• To direct the TISS administration to immediately revoke the ban on the PSF.
• Direct the TISS administration not to take any disciplinary action on any student for associating/engaging with PSF.
• Make a public statement calling to attention the suspension of an association an implicating its activism as repetitive misconducts following the SCA