The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the reinstatement of Ramadas K.S., a Dalit Ph.D. scholar and Left student leader, at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), effectively ending his two-year suspension for alleged misconduct.
A Bench led by Justice Dipankar Datta ruled that the suspension — imposed by a TISS empowered committee in April 2024 — would be considered as already served, allowing Ramadas to resume his studies.
TISS had suspended Ramadas for two years and barred his entry to all its campuses, citing “anti-national activities.” The Bombay High Court had earlier dismissed Ramadas’s plea, supporting the institute’s disciplinary decision.
However, the Supreme Court took a more lenient view, noting that Ramadas was pursuing a Ph.D. and should be given the opportunity to complete his education.
“Let him study,” the court reportedly said.
Following the order, Ramadas posted on social media, “On the 366th day of legal proceedings since approaching the High Court, I am officially a student again – from today – at the very institution that denied me education 380 days ago.
Advocate Rajeev Kumar Panday, representing TISS, argued in court that the Bombay High Court’s earlier dismissal was justified. But the apex court opted for educational continuity over prolonged punishment.
