Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has announced that Dr C S Pramesh, director, Tata Memorial Hospital, would be the chief guest at its 86th Convocation on August 22, as per PTI. Earlier, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant was to be the chief guest at the convocation scheduled for August 2, but the institute postponed it two days before the event citing “unforeseen circumstances”. It led to speculation that authorities apprehended protests by students during the CJI’s visit.
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“We sincerely regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, TISS’ 86th Convocation, scheduled for 2nd August 2026, has been postponed,” a circular to the faculty on July 31 said.
“We understand the significance of this occasion for our graduating students, families, faculty and staff, and we deeply appreciate your understanding and patience as we work through the situation. We will share the revised date and further details at the earliest,” the circular added.
The sudden deferment has surprised the faculty as well as students. It was reported that lack of safety of people attending the event was the reason for its cancellation. However, no official reason has been communicated.
CJI SURYA KANT’S CALENDAR FULL TILL NOVEMBER
TISS sources said on Tuesday that the CJI’s office informed the institute that Justice Surya Kant’s calendar was full until November, and hence he would not be able to attend the convocation on August 22.
On May 15, CJI Surya Kant made oral observations during a Supreme Court hearing, referring to individuals entering the legal profession through fake degrees who pivot to activism and social media attacks. His remarks circulated widely and sparked online backlash, inspiring the satirical “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) movement.
The CJP led protests in July 2026 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding accountability for exam irregularities, such as NEET-UG paper leak.
The over month-long agitation led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
CJI Surya Kant had later clarified that his comments were misquoted and directed strictly at fraudulent degree holders, not the country’s youth. In the last week of July, a section of the students of Hyderabad-based NALSAR University of Law wrote to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and professors of the institution, opposing any proposal to invite CJI Surya Kant as chief guest to the university’s convocation.
In an email communication sent on July 23, some of the students said their concern arises from the refusal of the Supreme Court Bench led by the CJI to allow urgent listing of a plea concerning the alleged brutal police action against protesters during the peaceful ‘Chalo Sansad’ demonstration at Jantar Mantar on July 20.
After that, the students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have opposed CJI Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending the upcoming convocation of the varsity.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
