Students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have voiced strong opposition to the attendance of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at their upcoming convocation ceremony. The protest comes amid tensions sparked by the BCI's earlier order to halt the enrollment of students from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, which was later withdrawn.
In a statement dated August 15, over 700 members of the NLSIU community—including 165 graduating students of the Class of 2026, 409 current students, and 128 alumni—condemned the BCI's initial actions against NALSAR. They expressed solidarity with NALSAR students, praising their courage in standing up against what they described as unconstitutional and illegal proceedings initiated by the BCI.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding NALSAR and the BCI
The Bar Council of India, a statutory body regulating legal education and the legal profession in India, had ordered a halt to the enrollment of the 2026 batch of students at NALSAR University of Law. This move was met with widespread criticism, as it was seen as an infringement on the rights of students and faculty at a public university. The BCI later withdrew the order and closed all proceedings against NALSAR, acknowledging the arbitrary and illegal nature of its initial actions.
Despite the withdrawal, the NLSIU community argues that the damage caused by the BCI's actions remains significant. They highlight that such proceedings, even if reversed, set a dangerous precedent for academic freedom and free speech within legal education institutions.
Key Facts About the NLSIU Statement and Convocation Opposition
- The statement was signed by 165 graduating students, 409 current students, and 128 alumni of NLSIU.
- They condemned the BCI's initial order to stop enrollment at NALSAR and expressed solidarity with NALSAR students.
- The BCI has admitted the arbitrary and illegal nature of its actions but has not issued an apology.
- The NLSIU community finds it offensive and humiliating to have officials who disregarded student rights preside over their convocation.
- They demand an unconditional apology from the BCI to NALSAR's students and faculty.
- Both Chief Justice Surya Kant and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra are opposed as convocation guests due to their roles in the controversy.
Why NLSIU Students Reject the Presence of CJI and BCI Chairman
For many students, a convocation is a deeply meaningful event that celebrates years of dedication and achievement. The NLSIU community argues that inviting high-ranking officials who have publicly shown disregard for student rights and free expression undermines the significance of this milestone. They describe the presence of the Chief Justice and BCI Chairman as a mockery of their struggles, especially in a country where access to higher education is already limited by social and economic barriers.
The students emphasize that the BCI's actions against NALSAR created a chilling effect on free speech, not only for those directly involved but for students and citizens nationwide. They warn that such punitive measures against dissent discourage open dialogue and critical engagement within academic spaces.
Chief Justice Surya Kant has defended his position by stating that his visit would be an opportunity for dialogue with students. However, the NLSIU community remains firm in their demand that both he and the BCI Chairman reconsider attending the convocation without addressing the harm caused by their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the Bar Council of India's order regarding NALSAR University?
A: The BCI initially ordered a halt to the enrollment of the 2026 batch of students at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, but later withdrew the order and closed all proceedings against the university.
Q: Why are NLSIU students opposing the attendance of the Chief Justice and BCI Chairman at their convocation?
A: They oppose their presence because both officials were involved in actions perceived as undermining student rights and free speech, particularly related to the controversy at NALSAR University.
Q: What do NLSIU students want from the Bar Council of India?
A: They demand an unconditional apology from the BCI to the students and faculty of NALSAR for attempting to infringe on their fundamental rights and for the arbitrary actions taken against them.
