What Led to the BCI Chairperson's Apology to NALSAR Law Students?

BCI Chairperson's Apology Amid Controversy

New Delhi: Manan Kumar Mishra, the chairperson of the Bar Council of India (BCI), has issued an apology to law students following backlash over a rescinded directive that prohibited state bar councils from enrolling the current graduating class of NALSAR as advocates.

In a statement released on Independence Day, Mishra acknowledged the distress caused to students and expressed regret if his previous communications had offended them.

He stated, “If any of my words or letters related to this controversy have hurt our law students, I sincerely apologize for that.”

Mishra emphasized that expressing regret is not about pride or ego but rather an acknowledgment of the students' feelings and concerns.

The issue arose when some NALSAR University of Law students petitioned their vice chancellor, registrar, and faculty against inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for their convocation.

Initially, Mishra indicated that the BCI was investigating claims regarding a campaign against the CJI's attendance at the convocation and requested a report to identify those involved.

However, after receiving criticism from the legal community, this decision was quickly overturned.

A revised order clarified that the “vast majority” of students should not be penalized for the alleged actions of a few.

Chief Justice Surya Kant later criticized the BCI for its initial stance, stating that it was a matter of dialogue between him and the students.

The NALSAR Student Bar Council subsequently called for a public apology from Mishra. Graduating students, current attendees, and alumni from NLSIU, Bengaluru, also issued a joint statement demanding a similar apology and expressed their disapproval of both the BCI chairperson and the CJI attending their convocation.

In his statement, Mishra recognized students from National Law Universities as some of the most informed and discerning young individuals in the country, noting that their future roles as advocates, educators, scholars, and judges would carry significant weight.

He remarked, “Their decisions extend beyond individual events or controversies.”

Mishra acknowledged that peaceful protests and disagreements are integral to a constitutional democracy but urged students to reassess issues objectively as more information becomes available.

He also highlighted that convocation is a momentous occasion, and the choice to attend or abstain should ultimately lie with the students.

“No student should feel pressured to attend, nor should anyone feel obligated to stay away. My appeal is for students to make their decisions independently, considering the matter thoroughly and based on their own judgment,” he stated.

Mishra further urged that the situation should not be politicized or influenced by external factors and called for a resolution rooted in fairness and reconciliation.