The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday reversed its decision to prevent NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduates from enrolling with State Bar Councils. The decision was withdrawn just hours after the directive was issued amid a controversy over students objecting to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant being invited as the chief guest for the university’s convocation.
In a fresh communication following an emergency discussion, the BCI clarified that all NALSAR students graduating in 2026 would be eligible to enrol with the State Bar Council of their choice. The council said students should not be made to suffer “without any fault on his part.”
However, the BCI said the issue remains under consideration and that it would wait for the inquiry report from the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor before determining whether further action was required.
BCI REVISES ENROLMENT RESTRICTION
The reversal followed an earlier order by the BCI chairman directing that no NALSAR student who completed a law degree in 2026 would be enrolled as an advocate by any State Bar Council “till further orders.” The decision drew criticism and sparked a backlash on social media over its possible impact on the graduating students’ careers and placements.
In its latest communication, the BCI said its members had “thoroughly discussed and deliberated” on the chairman’s earlier letter sent to the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor and the secretaries of all State Bar Councils.
“After thorough discussion, the Members are of the unanimous view that as per the latest report, the vast majority of the students of NALSAR (2026 pass out students) are innocent, and they were not inclined to take part in the move of disrespect,” the letter stated.
“Accordingly, the Council modifies the order of Chairman with regard to the ban on the enrolment of NALSAR Students with the State Bar Councils. All the students will be entitled to get enrolled with the State Bar Councils of their choice,” it added.
BCI ALLEGES TEACHERS, OUTSIDERS INSTIGATED STUDENTS
The council further alleged that “a handful of teachers and outsiders” played a role in encouraging the students to protest.
“It has further been reported by some reliable sources that a handful of teachers and outsiders were instrumental in instigating the innocent students,” the BCI said.
The council did not identify the teachers or outsiders allegedly involved, nor did it provide additional details about the claim. It said it would await the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor’s inquiry report before considering any further action.
OVER 450 STUDENTS OBJECT TO CJI INVITATION
The controversy began after a group of outgoing NALSAR students raised objections to the university’s decision to invite CJI Surya Kant to preside over its 2026 convocation.
More than 450 students from the 2026 batch signed a representation addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, professors and other university officials, asking them to reconsider the invitation.
The students noted that the convocation date and chief guest had not been officially finalised but said they wanted to formally communicate their concerns before a final decision was made.
STUDENTS RAISE JANTAR MANTAR HEARING
In their representation, the students referred to recent judicial developments, including Justice Surya Kant’s handling of a hearing related to alleged police action against protesters during a march from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20, 2026.
The students claimed that during the July 23 hearing, the CJI declined to watch video evidence allegedly depicting police excesses, saying, “We are not interested in videos; we don't have time to watch.” They further alleged that the petitioner’s counsel was subsequently prevented from continuing with their submissions.
The students also expressed concern over remarks attributed to the CJI, including his alleged comparison of Indian youth to “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 representation said.
“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.
STUDENTS INVOKE CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES
The students clarified that their objection was not aimed at the constitutional office of the CJI but concerned whether the conduct attributed to him in recent proceedings aligned with the principles they believe a university convocation should embody.
“As students of law, our concern is narrow and more specific to us as a graduating batch,” the representation stated.
They argued that a convocation should embody NALSAR’s commitment to constitutional rights, access to justice and meaningful engagement with grievances.
According to the students, accepting their degrees from a dignitary whose recently reported conduct appeared dismissive of allegations of police brutality against protesters would conflict with the principles and values taught at the law university.
