BCI Drops Inquiry Against NALSAR 2026 Batch
The Bar Council of India has dropped all proceedings against NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduating batch after widespread criticism over its response to students who opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s participation in the university’s convocation.
BCI Drops NALSAR Student Inquiry
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra announced that no further action would be taken after considering representations from senior advocates, Bar members, law students and other citizens.
He said the Council was satisfied that the 2026 graduating batch had no role in any “disturbance or movement” and therefore decided to close the proceedings altogether.
The decision brought a rapid end to a controversy that unfolded over several hours on August 13.
NALSAR Enrolment Ban Withdrawn
The BCI had initially directed State Bar Councils not to enrol any NALSAR student graduating in 2026 as an advocate while it investigated the campaign opposing the CJI’s proposed participation in the convocation.
More than 450 students had reportedly signed a representation asking the university to reconsider the invitation.
Within about an hour, the blanket restriction was withdrawn, allowing graduates to seek enrolment while an inquiry into those involved in organising the campaign initially remained in place. That inquiry was subsequently dropped as well.
CJI Convocation Row Triggered Controversy
The student objections followed remarks attributed to CJI Surya Kant during Supreme Court proceedings concerning alleged police action against protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Mishra said students were entitled to express opinions but maintained that dissent should be accompanied by respect for institutions and appropriate decorum.
The controversy also prompted questions over the extent of the BCI’s regulatory authority over student expression and advocate enrolment.
