Bombay High Court upholds suspension of Dalit PhD scholar from TISS for ‘anti-national activities’

 Bombay High Court upholds suspension of Dalit PhD scholar from TISS for ‘anti-national activities’

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday dismissed the plea filed by Ramadas KS, a Dalit PhD student from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), challenging his two-year suspension for alleged repetitive misconduct and ‘anti-national activities’.

A Division Bench of Justice AS Chandurkar and Justice MM Sathaye rejected the plea filed by Ramadas.

Ramadas, a member of the Students Federation of India (SFI), had moved the Court in May 2024 seeking revocation of his suspension, arguing that it was imposed without properly considering his explanations.

TISS had suspended him based on the findings of an Empowered Committee, which looked into his conduct, including his participation in protests.

The university’s suspension order pointed to Ramadas’ activities over time, asserting that his actions were not in the interest of the nation.

Specifically, TISS cited his involvement in a January 2024 protest in Delhi under the Progressive Students Forum (PSF)-TISS banner, deeming such activities inappropriate for a public institution. The university emphasized that it could not allow students to engage in actions that it considered harmful to national interests.

In his petition, Ramadas argued that the suspension violated his constitutional rights, including the right to freedom of speech and association. He also referred to the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, which call for universities to foster spaces for critical thought and open debate without discrimination based on student identity or political views.

Ramadas claimed that TISS had fabricated a narrative to vilify him, punishing him for his political activities and views.

Besides challenging his suspension, Ramadas also sought a court order allowing him to return to the TISS campus, continue his academic work, and receive his entitled stipend.

Advocates Lara Jesani and Rishika Agarwal appeared for Ramadas.

Advocates Rajeev Panday and Ashish Kanojia briefed by PRS Legal appeared for TISS.

Advocate Rui Rodrigues appeared for the University Grants Commission.

Advocate Shilpa Kaptil appeared for the Union of India.

Courtesy:  Bar And Bench

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