BCI chief Mishra apologises in NALSAR row after CJI rap

Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has apologised to NALSAR University of Law students, saying he regrets if his words or actions hurt their feelings. The apology came hours after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant slammed the BCI for ordering a temporary freeze on enrolment of the entire 2026 batch from the Hyderabad law school, saying the council had “no business” interfering with students’ right to protest.

The row began when NALSAR students opposed the CJI’s presence as chief guest at the university’s convocation, citing a Supreme Court bench’s refusal to hear a plea on alleged police brutality. Mishra then directed all state bar councils not to enrol any 2026 graduate from NALSAR as an advocate until further orders. The BCI withdrew the order within hours after backlash. The Hindu notes this incident has put focus on BCI’s functioning, with Mishra himself previously stating that 35-40% of advocates have fake degrees.

The CJI restrained the BCI and all state bar councils from taking any punitive or criminal action against students or faculty in connection with the controversy. Mishra’s apology letter acknowledged students’ concerns deserve to be heard with patience and sensitivity.