A section of graduating students at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University, Hyderabad, has objected to the reported invitation extended to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant to serve as the chief guest at the university’s 2026 convocation. More than 450 students from the 2026 batch have signed a representation addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, professors and other university officials, asking them to reconsider the reported decision.
In their representation, the students expressed concerns about recent judicial developments, particularly Justice Surya Kant’s handling of a hearing related to alleged police action against protesters during a Parliament march demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20, 2026.
According to the students, during the July 23 hearing, the CJI reportedly declined to view video evidence allegedly showing police excesses, saying, “We are not interested in videos; we don't have time to watch.” They further alleged that the submissions of the petitioner’s counsel were subsequently curtailed.
The representation also referred to another petition filed before the CJI seeking an inquiry into the alleged police action. The students cited reports that more than 70 protesters, including women and children, were injured.
The students also raised concerns over remarks attributed to the Chief Justice regarding the Jantar Mantar demonstration, including his reported comparison of Indian youth with cockroaches.
“We, the undersigned students of [redacted] (2025-2026), share the concerns of the graduating batch regarding inviting the Hon’ble CJI, Justice Surya Kant, as our convocation’s Chief Guest,” the letter stated.
“From referring to the youth as ‘cockroaches’ to making insensitive statements about not having time to watch videos of police brutality, the CJI has shown apathy towards students like us. Inviting him to our college to hand us degrees that hold so much academic and emotional importance does not sit right with us,” it added.
The students also noted that neither the convocation date nor the selection of the chief guest had been formally finalised. They said they wanted to record their concerns before any final decision was made.
STUDENTS CITE CONSTITUTIONAL VALUES
The students clarified that their objection was not directed at the office of the CJI itself, but at whether the reported conduct in recent proceedings was compatible with the values they believe should be reflected in a university convocation.
“As students of law, our concern is narrow and more specific to us as a graduating batch,” the representation said. It argued that a convocation should embody NALSAR’s commitment to constitutional rights, access to justice and thoughtful engagement with grievances.
The students said accepting their degrees from a dignitary whose recent reported conduct appeared dismissive of allegations of police brutality against protesters would conflict with the principles taught at the law university.
They argued that inviting the Chief Justice under the present circumstances would be inconsistent with values associated with constitutional accountability and academic freedom. They therefore asked the university administration to reconsider the proposed chief guest and consult the graduating students before issuing any formal invitation.
“We request the University Administration to reconsider its proposal to extend the invitation to the Hon’ble CJI, and hope that the University treat this as a shared concern across the graduating cohorts rather than one raised by a single batch,” the representation concluded.
The signatories have also said they are willing to discuss the matter with the university administration through meetings or other appropriate channels. They have requested an early response, preferably by Monday, describing their representation as a “genuine and respectful expression” of the views of graduating students.
The representation has generated discussion within legal and academic circles. NALSAR University has not yet issued an official response to the students’ objections.
TISS POSTPONED ITS CONVOCATION EVENT OVER FEAR OF PROTESTS
Nearly two weeks ago, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, postponed its 86th convocation, which had been scheduled for August 2, less than two days before the ceremony.
The last-minute postponement came amid concerns about security arrangements and the possibility of protests disrupting the event. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was expected to attend the ceremony as the chief guest.
In a communication to students, TISS cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the postponement. The institute did not officially connect the decision with the proposed visit of the CJI or any possible protests.
However, officials and students familiar with the developments said there were concerns that demonstrations linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement could affect the event. India Today could not independently confirm whether those concerns directly led to the postponement.
The decision disappointed several graduating students, particularly those who had already made arrangements to attend. Some students said they had booked travel and accommodation for parents and other relatives who were expected to be present at the convocation.
