BCI drops inquiry against NALSAR students after backlash over CJI invite row

The Story in Brief

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has closed all proceedings against the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, after a day of intense backlash. BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra announced the decision late on August 13 on X, saying the Council was satisfied that the batch had no role in any 'disturbance or movement'.

The controversy began when about 70 NALSAR students wrote to the university on July 23 objecting to any proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as convocation chief guest. They cited his reported dismissive remarks on alleged police excesses during a July 20 protest. The BCI initially ordered all state bar councils not to enrol any NALSAR 2026 graduate, but withdrew that within hours after social media uproar and a protest threat. The Hindu reports NALSAR's Executive Council will now decide if the BCI's requested inquiry is constitutional. The Supreme Court Bar Association president called the BCI's initial move illegal and intimidatory.