Recently, more than 500 scientists and academics wrote to the Indian institute of Science (IISc) criticising its administration for prohibiting a discussion on the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Science and its Links to Social and Political Matters:

• The Interdisciplinary Nature of Science: A narrow perspective suggests scientists should focus solely on science and avoid social questions.
  • Examples, like climate change research demonstrate how scientific investigations naturally intertwine with complex geopolitical and historical responsibilities.
  • Inquiries into energy policy similarly intersect with environmental concerns and equitable distribution of resources.
  • Most recently, research on artificial intelligence has thrown up a host of ethical dilemmas.
• However, confining science within strict boundaries is artificial and limits the exploration of interconnected issues.
• Responsible Deployment of Science and Public Benefit:
• Scientific and technological advancements alone do not guarantee social progress and can be used to oppress or perpetuate inequality.
• Scientists have a crucial role in shaping the deployment of science and should not relinquish decision-making power to capitalists or governments.
• A broader political and historical perspective helps scientists understand the wider societal impact of their research, even in pure science fields.
• Scientists’ Role in Decision-making and Deployment of Science
• Scientists should be involved in decisions about how scientific knowledge is utilized.
• By participating in discussions, scientists can help ensure that science benefits society and promotes justice.

An engagement with social issues:

• India’s Tradition of Scientist Engagement with Social Issues:
• India has a rich tradition of scientists who actively engage with social issues, showcasing the intersection of science and broader political concerns.
• This tradition highlights the understanding that scientific issues are often intertwined with societal dynamics.
• Prominent Individuals and People’s Science Movements:
• Eminent figures like Meghnad Saha, D.D. Kosambi, and Amulya Reddy exemplify the tradition of Indian scientists engaging with social issues.
• The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad, with its focus on “science for social revolution,” has played a significant role in promoting scientific values within the state.
• The All India Peoples Science Network consistently advocates for the use of science for social benefit rather than private profit.
• Advocacy for Science as a Tool for Social Benefit:
• While individual scientists may choose to focus narrowly on scientific topics, the argument is that scientific issues are often interconnected with broader political issues.
• Society has benefited from the participation of scientists in discussions that address the social implications of scientific advancements.

The pressures

• Administrators’ Worries about Government Perception:
• Scientific administrators may fear being seen as promoting views contrary to the government’s stance.
• They may take preemptive measures to avoid controversy or government backlash.
• Self-censorship becomes prevalent as administrators try to avoid potential repercussions from the government.
• Inappropriate Application of Central Civil Service Rules:
• Administrators sometimes invoke Central Civil Service (Conduct) Rules to prohibit criticism of the government, even though these rules are intended for government bureaucrats and ill-suited for academic scientists.
• In 2015, the Allahabad High Court ruled that these rules do not apply to Central Universities.
• Upholding Academic Freedom and Challenging Authority:
• The Tripura High Court ruled in 2020 that even when the rules do apply, citizens’ right to free speech, including criticism, remains a fundamental right.
• Robust resistance against censorship is necessary to protect academic freedom in scientific institutions.
• Challenging the arbitrary use of authority aligns with the core value of science.

Way Forward:

• Scientific research institutions should encourage social and political discussions, rather than suppressing them.
• Researchers and academics in scientific institutions have the same constitutional rights as others to participate in social discussions.
• Scientific institutions are part of the broader society and have a responsibility to educate and express themselves on matters of public interest.