IISc reputation damaged by cancelling discussion on UAPA, says scientists

IISc Bangalore is in spotlight for not allowing discussion on 'Unlawful Activities Prevention Act' (UAPA). Over 500 scientists have written to the Director Prof. Govindan Rangarajan of the institute to protest the last minute cancellation and said that it affects the prestigious institute's reputation nationally and internationally.

In a massive opposition of the decision taken by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore to cancel the discusion on 'Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, Prisons and the Criminal Justice System’ that was to be led by Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita on June 28, over 500 scientists have written to the Director of the institute.

The signatories of the letter also included as many as 21 faculty members of IISc that expressed, "Dismay at the actions taken by the IISc administration to stop a discussion on the UAPA."

The discussion was to be led by Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita, activists who participated in the movement against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

"In 2020, the duo were arrested under the UAPA and accused of being part of a ‘larger conspiracy’ in the Delhi riots case. However, while releasing them on bail, the Delhi High Court noted that ‘in its anxiety to suppress dissent … the State has blurred the line between the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest and terrorist activity. If such blurring gains traction, democracy would be in peril,” stated the letter, as reported by The Hindu.

“Regardless of one’s perspective, such discussions are crucial in a functioning democracy and IISc., as an academic institution, is ideally positioned to host them. Conversely, if the institute is unwilling to permit peaceful discussions on constitutional questions, it is hard to see how it can foster a spirit of critical inquiry that is necessary for scientific work,” read the letter.

“They have damaged IISc.’s reputation, both within the country and internationally. We hope that you will take urgent corrective measures and ensure that members of IISc. remain free to express and discuss a range of ideas, both about science, and about the society that we live in,” the letter added.

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