NLSIU students oppose CJI, BCI chief at convocation over NALSAR row

More than 700 students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, have opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending the varsity's convocation. In a statement dated August 15, the signatories condemned the now-withdrawn BCI order that directed state bar councils to halt enrolment of 2026 graduates of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, after students objected to the CJI's proposed campus visit. The statement was signed by 165 graduating students of the Class of 2026, 409 current students and 128 alumni.

The students and alumni demanded an unconditional apology from the BCI to the NALSAR community for attempting to infringe their right to free speech. They said the BCI's actions created a "chilling effect" on dissent across the country. They expressed "strong disapproval" of Mishra attending the NLSIU convocation without taking responsibility and stood in solidarity with NALSAR's request to reconsider the CJI as chief guest. India Today and Times Now both report the statement noted that inviting high office holders who have shown "disdain" towards students is "offensive, humiliating, and a mockery".

On August 14, CJI Surya Kant called the issue "a dialogue between students and me" and criticised the BCI's order. The CJI-led bench said students have a right to protest. The BCI withdrew its enrolment ban within hours after social media outrage. The convocation dispute continues with both the CJI and BCI chairman at the centre of student protests at two top law schools.