NALSAR Law University Convocation Invite Row: Bar Council Order Withdrawn

A controversy at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad concerning the invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as convocation chief guest has led to a significant intervention and subsequent retraction by the Bar Council of India (BCI).

What Happened

A segment of NALSAR University students expressed objections to the proposed invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to be the chief guest at the university's convocation. These students cited remarks made by Justice Kant in the Supreme Court regarding a plea on alleged police excesses against protesters. They conveyed their discomfort in receiving degrees from a dignitary whose actions, as reported, appeared dismissive of serious allegations of police brutality against citizens.

In response to this student opposition, the BCI initially issued an order instructing all State Bar Councils to freeze the enrolment of the entire 2026 graduating class of NALSAR University. The BCI also requested the university to provide detailed information about the students involved in organizing the campaign against Justice Kant's participation. However, this order was withdrawn within hours following public outcry and threats of protest.

A revised BCI notification stated that the vast majority of students were innocent and should not be held responsible. The BCI Chairman subsequently announced that all students would be eligible for enrolment with State Bar Councils. An initial inquiry ordered by the BCI into the controversy was also paused.

Key Facts

• A section of NALSAR University of Law students objected to the proposed invitation of CJI Surya Kant as the chief guest for their convocation.
• The students cited remarks made by CJI Kant in the Supreme Court concerning police excesses against protesters.
• The Bar Council of India (BCI) initially ordered a freeze on the enrolment of the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University.
• The BCI also requested the university to identify students who organized the campaign against the CJI's invitation.
• The BCI order was withdrawn within hours following social media uproar and threatened protests.
• BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra stated that all students would be entitled to enroll with State Bar Councils.
• An initial factual inquiry ordered by the BCI was also withdrawn.