TISS postpones convocation with CJI as chief guest; students on visit for ceremony affected

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) here has postponed its 86th annual convocation just two days before it was to take place on Sunday. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was scheduled to attend the ceremony as the chief guest.

In an email sent to students at 12.50 a.m. on Friday (July 31, 2026), the institute cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the decision. In a statement issued later on the day, TISS said the decision was taken in the “best long-term interests of the institute”. It also mentioned the well-being of students, faculty, staff, dignitaries, guests, and the campus community.

The institute did not provide a specific reason for the postponement. Some students said the administration may have cancelled the event over concerns of protests linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). They said said no protest had been planned or discussed on or off the campus. The students also said that they were not informed in advance that the CJI would attend the ceremony.

Financial loss to visiting students

The cancellation caused financial losses to students who had travelled to Mumbai with parents and relatives. Affected students said they had spent on non-refundable flight and train tickets and hotel bookings. Some had taken leave from work to attend the ceremony.

Progressive Students’ Forum, a students’ collective, questioned the institute’s decision. It pointed out that final semester results had been delayed. The group demanded accountability from the institute for the cancellation of the convocation. The group also demanded compensation to students for their financial losses.

In its statement, TISS acknowledged the inconvenience caused to graduating students and their families. The institute said it would examine requests related to financial hardship on a case-to-case basis. It said it was working to reschedule the convocation and was exploring alternative formats for the ceremony.

The students described the midnight communication as a cause of avoidable hardship. A student said several members of the graduating batch were awaiting placements and that they could not afford another trip to Mumbai. Some students requested the institute to issue degree certificates and final marksheets without a ceremony. The student quoted abovesaid this request was declined. They added that many students may not be able to travel again if the convocation is rescheduled.