BCI chairman apologises over NALSAR convocation row

Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has apologised to law students following the controversy over NALSAR University of Law students opposing Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant as convocation chief guest. In a letter shared on Independence Day, Mishra said he "sincerely regret and apologise" if the controversy hurt students' feelings, and emphasised that students must remain free to express their views. The apology comes after around 450 NALSAR students submitted representations asking the university to reconsider the CJI's invitation.

The row escalated on August 13 when BCI directed state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR's 2026 graduating batch and sought details of students and faculty involved. BCI withdrew that directive after widespread criticism. The Deccan Herald reports that NALSAR students have demanded an unconditional apology from BCI for attempting to infringe their free speech. DNA India notes the apology followed a rap from CJI Kant, who told the Supreme Court on Friday that the issue was between him and the students. Mishra's letter did not specifically mention the withdrawn directive but appealed for dialogue and reconciliation.