TISS Mumbai's Political Affidavit for Student Council Elections Ignites Constitutional Rights Debate
In a significant development at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai, the upcoming students' council elections, being conducted after a hiatus of nearly two years, have become the center of a heated controversy. The institute has introduced a mandatory requirement for all candidates to submit a formal undertaking, explicitly stating that they are not affiliated with, nor do they represent, any political party, political organization, or student wing thereof. This move has sparked strong opposition from a vocal section of the student body, who perceive it as a direct infringement on their fundamental constitutional rights.
Student Opposition and Constitutional Concerns
A student from TISS highlighted that this undertaking bears a striking resemblance to the contentious amendments made to the institute's honour code in 2024, which also faced widespread resistance from students. The student further argued that this requirement contradicts the students' council constitution, which explicitly permits students to associate with organizations and maintain political affiliations. Many students view this as an attempt to undermine democratic principles and stifle political expression within the campus.
Institute's Clarification and Future Review
In response to the growing unrest, an institute official provided clarification, emphasizing that the undertaking would not serve as grounds for disqualifying any candidate. The official stated, "I believe this has been part of a process that has been followed for some time. While it has already been issued this year, we will review this particular condition from the undertaking from the next election cycle. Students need not worry about it. In any case, the oath taken by elected representatives after the elections will carry more relevance later than this undertaking." Despite this assurance, students remain skeptical and unconvinced by the administration's stance.
Broader Concerns Over Student Union Authority
Students have expressed additional concerns regarding the dilution of the students' union's authority under the newly proposed constitution for the students' council. Although the administration has solicited suggestions on the draft, the nomination process had already commenced, with Thursday marking the last day for nominations and Friday for submitting suggestions. This overlapping timeline, coupled with restrictions on campaigning, has fueled perceptions that the institute is resistant to dissent and may continue to oppose it in the future.
Additional Requirements in the Undertaking
Beyond the political affiliation clause, the undertaking also mandates candidates to declare any disciplinary actions, inquiries, or adverse proceedings—whether pending or initiated by the institute—against them. Furthermore, candidates must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% in the previous semester(s) and have no academic arrears in the year of contesting the election. These criteria aim to ensure that candidates meet academic and disciplinary standards, but they have added to the overall scrutiny and debate surrounding the election process.
As the election date approaches, the discourse at TISS Mumbai continues to evolve, with students advocating for their rights and the institute balancing administrative protocols with student autonomy. The outcome of this debate may set a precedent for student governance in educational institutions across India.
