BCI reverses ban on NALSAR 2026 graduates after day of uproar

The Story in Brief

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has withdrawn its blanket ban on enrolling NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 batch as advocates, hours after directing all state bar councils to freeze enrolments. The reversal came after BCI members, led by Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, said the “vast majority” of graduating students were “innocent” and not party to any move to show disrespect. The original order, issued on August 13, followed a campaign by some students opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s invitation as convocation chief guest over his remarks on the Delhi student protests.

BCI has now said all 2026 graduates may seek enrolment with any state bar council. However, it will continue a fact-finding inquiry into the role of “a handful of teachers and outsiders” whom it accuses of instigating students. A final decision is scheduled for August 19 after NALSAR submits a report. BCI Member N. Manoj Kumar had called the initial blanket direction “manifestly arbitrary”, warning it could create an impression that the BCI was appeasing the judiciary.