BCI chairman apologises to law students over NALSAR row

Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has apologised to all law students for his words and actions in the row over NALSAR University of Law’s convocation. In a letter shared on Independence Day, Mishra said if anything he said or wrote hurt students’ feelings, he sincerely regretted it. The apology came after the BCI had directed state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR graduates, then withdrew the order following widespread criticism, including from Chief Justice Surya Kant.

The controversy began when around 450 NALSAR students opposed inviting CJI Surya Kant as convocation chief guest, citing his refusal to hear pleas against alleged police brutality during Jantar Mantar protests. Mishra’s letter did not directly name NALSAR but said students must remain free to express their views. He added that no student should be compelled to attend or abstain from the convocation, appealing for independent judgement. The BCI chairman expressed hope for a fair and reconciliatory resolution.