The Bar Council of India (BCI) initially directed all State Bar Councils not to enrol any student who graduated from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, in 2026 as an advocate until further orders. The direction came amid a controversy over a campaign by a section of students opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s proposed participation in NALSAR’s convocation. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra also sought a factual report from the university identifying those allegedly involved in initiating, organising or mobilising the campaign.
Within hours, however, the BCI withdrew the blanket enrolment restriction after reconsidering the decision. The Council said the “vast majority” of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates were innocent and had not intended to participate in any move to disrespect the Chief Justice of India. The revised decision allowed all students of the 2026 graduating batch to enrol as advocates with the State Bar Council of their choice, ensuring that students who had no role in the controversy would not suffer.
The BCI later closed the proceedings against the entire 2026 batch, after considering representations from Senior Advocates, members of the Bar, law students and other citizens. It concluded that there was no basis to proceed against the graduating students and said no further action would be taken against them. While recognising students’ right to express their opinions, the Council stressed that such expression should remain within the bounds of institutional decorum and discipline and that the office of the Chief Justice of India should be accorded due respect.
