Tata research institute instruct staff not to post anti-government content

India's advanced research centre, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), has asked its staff not to post "anti-government" content on social media platforms since it "could lead to serious security consequences". The family members of the staff are also asked to follow the same instructions.

TIFR Director Professor S Ramakrishnan said he will respond to the related questions on Monday.

The instructions were given through a letter dated April 13 by Tata research institute instructing staff not to post anti-government content. The action was taken based on the observations notified by the Department of Atomic Energy.

TIFR is a publicly deemed research university in Mumbai with centres in Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. The national centre of the Union government functions under the umbrella of the Department of Atomic Energy. It undertakes research in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, and science education.

The letter read that the agencies and the department have red-flagged the activities of certain disgruntled employees. "Staff members of the institute are requested to refrain from uploading any photographs or videos, related to the institute, its centres and field stations, residential colonies, or any other government property over social media platforms," reported The Indian Express.

Photos and videos in question may have been flagged by one of the many DAE set-ups across the country. The letter did not explain why staff and their families are being warned not to post anti-government on social media. More clarity is expected in the matter soon.

Similar orders have been issued by Bennet University owned by The Times Group and the Uttar Pradesh government to its private universities. The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 also bans scientists at government facilities from expressing opinions against government policies.