Solidarity statement with Sabyasachi Das and the faculty of Ashoka University by the international academic community

The India Academic Freedom Network (IAFN) has initiated a statement on the forced ‘resignation’ of Economics scholar, Dr. Sabyasachi Das, following the publication of his research on electoral manipulation in Indian elections. InSAF India fully endorses this statement and stands in solidarity with Dr. Das and the faculty of Ashoka University whose academic freedom is brazenly violated. We also stand with Dr. Pulapre Balakrishnan, colleague of Das at the same department, who resigned following what he called Ashoka University’s grave error of judgment and its violation of academic freedoms.

We strongly condemn and note with deep concern that the Intelligence Bureau has initiated investigations into the matter. This is an open threat to academics and critical research, a sign that the state is scared and only knows to respond with repressive means. We call on Ashoka University to reappoint Dr. Das and retract its statement of dissociation from his research.

Full text of the statement by India Academic Freedom Network

Statement by student body Leher in support of Dr. Das

Das, Sabyasachi, Democratic Backsliding in the World’s Largest Democracy (July 3, 2023). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4512936 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4512936