NALSAR students demand apology as BCI reverses enrolment ban

What Happened

The Bar Council of India (BCI) initially ordered state bar councils not to enroll any 2026 NALSAR University of Law graduates as advocates until further notice, triggering a backlash that drew in the university and the judiciary. After criticism from the Supreme Court and protests by students, the BCI reversed course, allowing 2026 graduates to pursue enrolment with any State Bar Council. BCI chair Manan Kumar Mishra indicated that the inquiry would continue and that actions would follow based on findings. Separately, the NALSAR Student Bar Council condemned the BCI decision and demanded an apology from Mishra for what they described as “objectionable comments” against students and faculty, tying the dispute to the broader campaign opposing inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to the convocation.

Why It Matters

The episode tests the balance between institutional authority and student dissent within a constitutional democracy, highlighting debates over academic autonomy, privacy concerns in investigations of campus activism, and the role of a national bar regulator in university affairs. The Supreme Court’s commentary characterized the initial directive as an overstep, reinforcing the principle that students retain the right to peaceful protest and dialogue with high-level legal figures. The reversal potentially preserves graduates’ ability to enrol while leaving an unresolved inquiry about the conduct of BCI officials.

Background

NALSAR University of Law, located in Hyderabad, faced criticism over a campaign by roughly 450 of its students against inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to the university convocation. In response, the BCI issued a directive affecting the 2026 graduating batch, which was subsequently withdrawn after pushback from the judiciary and students. The Student Bar Council framed its response around constitutional fidelity, dissent, and the university’s role in nurturing critical inquiry.

Key Facts

• NALSAR University of Law is based in Hyderabad, with about 1,400 students, of which around 450 participated in a campaign opposing inviting the CJI to the convocation.
• The BCI directed state bar councils not to enroll any 2026 NALSAR graduates as advocates until further notice.
• The BCI later reversed the directive, allowing 2026 graduates to seek enrolment with any State Bar Council; the inquiry into the matter would continue.
• The reversal came after criticisms in the Supreme Court, including comments that the directive was “absolutely uncalled for.”
• The NALSAR Student Bar Council issued a letter condemning the event and calling for an apology from BCI chair Manan Kumar Mishra for alleged “objectionable comments.”

What Happens Next

The BCI said its factual inquiry would proceed and that any further action would depend on its findings. The enrolled status of graduates remains contingent on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry and any subsequent regulatory decisions by the BCI or State Bar Councils.