Supreme Court Protects NALSAR Students Amid Controversy Over CJI's Convocation Role

The Supreme Court has stepped in to safeguard NALSAR University students from punitive actions by the Bar Council of India (BCI) following a protest against Chief Justice Surya Kant's proposed role at the university's convocation. The court criticized the BCI's decision to halt the enrolment of graduates, affirming students' rights to peaceful protest. This controversy arose after students expressed their opposition to the CJI's invitation as chief guest. The court's interim order prevents any disciplinary measures against students or faculty, while CJI Surya Kant invited them to join the Supreme Court Bar, emphasizing their right to pursue legal careers without hindrance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 14, 2026, 16:25 IST

Supreme Court's Intervention in NALSAR Controversy

File image of NALSAR University (Photo: Monideep Burugu/ Gmaps)

New Delhi, Aug 14: On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Bar Council of India (BCI), instructing that no disciplinary measures should be taken against students or faculty of NALSAR University of Law regarding a dispute linked to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant's anticipated attendance at the university's convocation.

A bench led by CJI Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, expressed strong disapproval of the BCI's decision to suspend the enrolment of NALSAR's 2026 graduates, emphasizing that students have the right to engage in peaceful protests.

The case is scheduled for a hearing in two weeks.

During the proceedings, the CJI remarked, "The BCI is acting unnecessarily. If students have a reason to protest, they are entitled to do so," while addressing a petition that contested the BCI chairman's orders.

He further questioned the council's involvement, stating, "Students may have communicated with me directly. This is a dialogue between us. What right does the BCI have to intervene? Their actions are completely unwarranted."

This statement followed the BCI's directive to state bar councils to refrain from enrolling NALSAR's 2026 graduates as advocates until further notice, citing the students' campaign against the CJI's proposed invitation to the convocation.

The BCI's directive faced backlash from the legal community and social media, leading to its retraction within hours.

Senior advocate K Parameshwar, who presented the petition, argued that the issue persisted despite the order's withdrawal and questioned the BCI chairman's authority to make such a decision.

Justice Bagchi demanded clarification from the BCI, asking, "Was the BCI convened to pass such a resolution? We seek answers."

The court subsequently issued an interim order preventing the BCI and state bar councils from taking any punitive action against students or faculty regarding the CJI's participation in the convocation.

In a notable gesture, CJI Surya Kant invited NALSAR students to join the Supreme Court Bar and urged them to secure their licenses promptly.

"Join the Supreme Court Bar. We will include them in legal aid cases. This will serve as a fitting response to those who hindered their career progress," he stated.

Defending the BCI's actions, chairman Manan Kumar Mishra explained that the initial order was issued "in haste" and was rescinded within 40 minutes. He noted that the council later convened and unanimously agreed that students should not face repercussions.

The controversy began when a group of NALSAR students expressed their opposition to inviting the CJI as the chief guest at the yet-to-be-scheduled convocation.

While the BCI eventually permitted the enrolment of all graduating students, it maintained a proposal for an inquiry into those allegedly involved in the protest.

NALSAR Vice-Chancellor Srikrishna Deva Rao previously stated that the matter would be presented to the university's Executive Council to assess the constitutional and legal validity of such an inquiry.