TISS postpones 86th convocation, CJI Surya Kant was scheduled as chief guest

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai has postponed its 86th convocation, which was slated to take place on August 2. The decision came less than 48 hours before the event, which Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant was expected to attend as chief guest. Officials and students said fears of possible protests had raised security concerns.

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In its communication to students, TISS attributed the postponement to “unforeseen circumstances” and made no official mention of the Chief Justice’s proposed visit. However, officials and students familiar with the developments said there were apprehensions that demonstrations linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement might affect the event.

Questions surround TISS decision

The abrupt postponement came as a major disappointment for graduating students. Many said their parents and relatives had already booked train and flight tickets, along with accommodation, to attend the ceremony.

Students were informed through an email from the institute’s Registrar that the convocation had been postponed. The email, however, did not explain why the decision had been taken at such short notice.

Later on Friday, TISS issued a public statement saying the decision had been taken “in the best and long-term interest of the Institute” and with the well-being of everyone connected to the event in mind.

“The Institute had to take the difficult decision to postpone the Convocation in the best and long term interest of the Institute as well as preserving the well-being of students, faculty, staff, dignitaries, guests, and campus life,” the statement said. The institute did not disclose any additional details about what prompted the postponement.

Convocation to be rescheduled

Students and officials, according to reports, said discussions around possible CJP-linked protests had intensified on campus in the days leading up to the convocation. They also said police personnel had visited the campus before the event as part of what was widely viewed as security preparations for Chief Justice Surya Kant’s visit. Even so, the institute has not officially linked the postponement to security concerns or the possibility of protests.

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TISS acknowledged the inconvenience caused to graduating students and their families, many of whom had already finalised their travel plans. “TISS stands in full support of its students and will examine requests related to financial hardship arising from the postponement on a case-to-case basis, in accordance with applicable rules,” the statement said, adding that affected students had already been notified through email.

The institute also assured students that the convocation would be held at the earliest possible date. It said it was “exploring diverse modes of organising the convocation” and would announce the revised schedule shortly.

Meanwhile, students who need provisional degree certificates, consolidated grade sheets or other academic documents can continue to obtain them through the institute’s existing procedures.