The Bar Council of India (BCI) has withdrawn its decision to halt the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduates as advocates, providing relief to the entire batch amid a controversy over students’ objections to the reported invitation to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at the university’s convocation.
The BCI had initially directed all State Bar Councils not to enrol any law graduate from NALSAR’s 2026 batch until further orders. The move came after a section of students reportedly opposed the proposed participation of CJI Surya Kant at the convocation and submitted representations to the university seeking reconsideration of the invitation.
Reports said around 450 students supported the representation. Their objections were linked to remarks made by Justice Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing concerning allegations of police action against protesters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The students reportedly argued that the convocation should reflect the university’s commitment to constitutional values, access to justice and the protection of fundamental rights.
The BCI’s initial order had also sought a report from NALSAR Vice-Chancellor Prof Srikrishna Deva Rao identifying those allegedly involved in initiating, organising or mobilising the campaign. The council had raised allegations of the involvement of a small group of teachers and outsiders in influencing the students.
However, after reconsidering the matter, the BCI said the “vast majority” of the 2026 graduates were innocent and had no intention of participating in any move to disrespect the CJI. It consequently modified the earlier order and allowed all graduates from the batch to seek enrolment with the State Bar Council of their choice.
The BCI later went a step further and announced that proceedings against the entire 2026 batch had been closed. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said the council was satisfied that the students had no role in any disturbance or movement and that no further action would be taken against them.
The development came amid strong criticism of the original decision. The Supreme Court also questioned the BCI’s intervention in the matter, with CJI Surya Kant reportedly observing that students have the right to express their views and questioning the council’s role in what he described as a matter between him and the students.
The episode has sparked a wider debate over student dissent, academic freedom and the powers of professional regulatory bodies in matters involving law students and constitutional institutions.