A fresh row has erupted over the Bar Council of India (BCI)’s decision to freeze the enrolment of the entire 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad , a move that was later withdrawn.
The BCI’s initial move came in response to a section of NALSAR students opposing the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at the university’s convocation. Some NALSAR University students wrote to the vice-chancellor, registrar, and professors, objecting to any proposal to invite CJI Surya Kant as the chief guest at the convocation. The first order asked the university to provide an authenticated report naming those who had started, organised, coordinated or mobilised the campaign against the CJI’s proposed participation in the convocation. It also sought details of the representations, signatories, meetings, social media groups, media interactions, and any calls for a boycott or disruption. The BCI further sought information on the involvement of faculty members, research scholars, alumni, student organisations or outsiders.
The students raised objections over remarks made by CJI Kant in the Supreme Court while hearing a plea concerning alleged police excesses against protesters during the student demonstration at Jantar Mantar on July 20. In its initial order, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra instructed all State Bar Councils not to enrol any 2026 law graduate from NALSAR University as an advocate until further orders.
