TISS swaps CJI as chief guest, fixes August 22 for convocation

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has replaced Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for its 86th convocation, now rescheduled for August 22. Dr C S Pramesh, director of Tata Memorial Hospital, will preside over the ceremony at TISS’ Naoroji Campus in Deonar, Mumbai. The event was originally set for August 2 with Surya Kant as the chief guest, but TISS postponed it two days before, citing an inability to hold a “conducive environment” and risks to well-being.

NDTV.com reports that the postponement was linked to “protest fears.” Deccanherald.com adds that students and officials told The Indian Express that concerns over possible protests and security around the CJI’s visit had been discussed on campus, with police seen there ahead of the scheduled date. The proposed appearance followed Surya Kant’s controversial “cockroaches” remark about unemployed youth and his comments on police action against student protesters in Delhi. TISS has not publicly connected the change to the CJI’s recent row at NALSAR University of Law, where students opposed him as chief guest, leading to a Bar Council of India directive later withdrawn.

The institute said it would offer financial assistance to affected students on a case-by-case basis. The August 22 ceremony will cover graduating students from all TISS campuses across the country.