BCI chief apologises to law students over NALSAR enrolment row

Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has apologised to students over the BCI's order that halted enrolment of NALSAR University of Law's 2026 graduating batch. "If anything connected with the present controversy, any of my words, or letter, has hurt the feelings of our law students, I sincerely regret and apologise for the same," Mishra said, as per Businesstoday.in. He added that no student should be compelled to attend or abstain from the convocation.

The BCI had on August 13 directed all state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR's 2026 graduates after students objected to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant attending their convocation as chief guest. The order was withdrawn within hours after criticism from the legal fraternity. Students and alumni of NLSIU Bengaluru issued a joint statement demanding an unconditional apology from the BCI, Rediff.com reported. They opposed CJI Surya Kant and Mishra attending NLSIU's convocation, calling it "offensive and humiliating".

The Supreme Court, presided over by CJI Surya Kant, rebuked the BCI for its actions, calling them "uncalled for", Livemint reported. The court granted interim protection from punishment and welcomed NALSAR graduates to practice at the Supreme Court bar. NLSIU students have demanded that the BCI explain the protocol for use of its official letterhead by its chairperson.