TISS cited “unforeseen circumstances” for deferring its convocation, but sources said security agencies had flagged the possibility of demonstrations linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement.
BY PC Bureau
Mumbai/New Delhi: Two prominent public events featuring Chief Justice of India Surya Kant have been called off within a span of a week amid concerns that they could become flashpoints for student protests linked to the nationwide Gen Z movement.
The latest cancellation involves the 86th Convocation of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), which was scheduled to be held in Mumbai on August 2. The institute informed graduating students late Thursday night that the ceremony had been postponed, attributing the decision to “unforeseen circumstances.”
Chief Justice Surya Kant was scheduled to deliver the convocation address as the chief guest, while Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Ravindra Ghuge was to attend as guest of honour.
While the institute’s communication did not elaborate on the reasons behind the postponement, multiple sources familiar with the developments said the decision followed security assessments and intelligence inputs warning of possible demonstrations during the event.
According to sources, the administration was concerned that activists associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which spearheaded the nationwide anti-paper leak agitation, could stage protests targeting the visiting dignitaries.
Later on Friday, TISS issued a formal statement explaining that the prevailing circumstances were not conducive to holding a large public function.
“The Institute assessed that the ceremony could not be conducted in a conducive environment and that proceeding with the event could adversely affect the wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, dignitaries, guests and overall campus life,” the statement said.
The institute described the postponement as a difficult but necessary decision taken in the long-term interests of the university community.
“The Institute seeks the cooperation of all stakeholders in preserving the dignity and legacy of the institution,” it added.
The abrupt announcement left hundreds of graduating students and their families scrambling after many had already purchased air and rail tickets and booked accommodation for the ceremony.
Acknowledging the disruption, TISS said it would examine requests for financial assistance arising from the last-minute cancellation on an individual basis. It also assured students that fresh dates for the convocation would be announced shortly and that provisional degree certificates would be made available wherever required.
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Second Cancellation in Less Than a Week
The TISS postponement follows the earlier deferment of the Justice H.R. Khanna Memorial Lecture, which had been scheduled for July 28 at the India International Centre in New Delhi.
Chief Justice Surya Kant was also slated to be the chief guest at that event.
Organisers later confirmed that the programme had been postponed after internal deliberations held a few days before the scheduled date.
The lecture was to feature senior advocate Arvind P. Datar speaking on “From Defections to Mergers: The Need to Repeal the Tenth Schedule.” Former Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna was to preside over the event, which was also to include a panel discussion marking fifty years of the landmark ADM Jabalpur judgment.
Although the organisers did not publicly disclose the reasons for postponement, the decision came at a time when the Chief Justice had become the focus of nationwide debate following his controversial “cockroaches” remark about unemployed youth.
The comment triggered the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whose protests over the paper leak controversy rapidly evolved into one of the country’s largest student movements. The agitation ultimately culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25.
The Chief Justice also faced criticism after declining an urgent mention of a petition seeking judicial intervention over police action against student protesters. Days later, he clarified that reports suggesting he had refused to hear the matter were inaccurate and subsequently reaffirmed that peaceful protest is a fundamental constitutional right and that allegations of police excesses deserve independent scrutiny.
There has also been speculation that the Chief Justice was initially expected to attend the convocation of Jindal Global Law School on July 26 but eventually did not participate. The graduating class was instead addressed by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
With two major events involving the Chief Justice postponed in quick succession, questions are now being raised over whether organisers of high-profile public functions are becoming increasingly wary of disruptions linked to the continuing wave of student-led protests across the country.
