Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has expressed strong disapproval of the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) initial decision to prevent the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, from enrolling as advocates over their protest against his proposed participation as chief guest at the university’s convocation. The BCI later withdrew the order.
CJI says students have right to protest
During proceedings in the Supreme Court on Friday, CJI Surya Kant said students have the right to protest and questioned the BCI’s decision to take action against an entire batch. The students had objected to the CJI being invited to their convocation, citing his remarks during a hearing concerning alleged police excesses against protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The students had urged NALSAR authorities to reconsider the invitation, saying the convocation should reflect the institution’s commitment to constitutional rights, access to justice and reasoned engagement with grievances.
BCI withdraws enrolment ban
The BCI had initially directed State Bar Councils not to enroll any NALSAR student from the 2026 graduating batch as an advocate until further orders. It also sought details from the university about students allegedly involved in organising the campaign.
However, BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra later modified the decision, allowing all 2026 NALSAR graduates to seek enrolment with the State Bar Council of their choice. He said a factual inquiry would continue and stressed that no student should suffer without fault on their part.
The BCI subsequently said the proceedings against the NALSAR batch had been closed after concluding that the students had no role in any disturbance or movement.
