CJI Slams BCI Action Against NALSAR Students
The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the Bar Council of India’s intervention in the NALSAR University of Law controversy, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant saying students have a right to protest and describing the BCI’s action as “absolutely uncalled for”.
CJI Backs NALSAR Students’ Right to Protest
The controversy arose after NALSAR students opposed the invitation to CJI Surya Kant to attend the university’s 2026 convocation.
When a petition challenging the BCI’s actions was mentioned before the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice said the disagreement was a matter between him and the students and questioned why the regulatory body had intervened.
He also stressed that students have the right to express disagreement through lawful protest.
BCI Had Blocked Advocate Enrolment
The BCI had initially directed State Bar Councils not to enrol any member of NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch as an advocate while it investigated the campaign opposing the CJI’s convocation appearance.
The blanket restriction triggered criticism from sections of the legal community, with many questioning whether the measure was proportionate.
The BCI later withdrew the enrolment restriction and subsequently dropped the inquiry against the graduating batch.
Supreme Court Opposes Punitive Action
The Supreme Court has made clear that students should not face punitive consequences merely for participating in lawful dissent.
The episode has triggered a wider debate over student protest, academic freedom and the extent to which professional regulatory bodies should intervene in university disputes.
The controversy also highlights the distinction between criticism of a constitutional officeholder and misconduct warranting disciplinary action.
