The apex court made the observation in light of the controversy surrounding the BCI’s letter in the NASLAR row.
The Supreme Court on Friday said that students have a right to protest and that the Bar Council of India has “no business” stopping them.
It withdrew the blanket enrolment ban, saying that most students were innocent and had no role in the reported campaign. BCI chairman Mannan Mishra later announced that even those proceedings had been closed after the BCI found that the graduating batch had no involvement in any disturbance. “It’s a dialogue between me and the students. The controversy began after reports of a campaign by some NALSAR students opposing CJI Surya Kant’s participation in the university’s convocation. It also sought a detailed inquiry from the university to identify those who organised or participated in the campaign. The Council argued that disrespect towards the country’s highest judicial office was inconsistent with the values expected from future lawyers. After the circular faced criticism from the Cockroach Janta Party and other sources on and off social media, the BCI reconsidered its decision. The Council, however, initially continued with its proposed inquiry into those allegedly involved.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed displeasure at the BCI’s circular banning the enrolment of 2026-batch graduates of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, as advocates. Reacting to the reports, the BCI had directed all State Bar Councils not to enrol any student from NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch until further orders.
Who are they (BCI) to interfere?” the CJI said.
