Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, who once served as Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law, praised the institution’s students, calling them “brilliant”, “bold” and “brave” at a recent event.
His remarks come weeks after a section of NALSAR students opposed the proposed invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at their convocation, triggering a controversy that eventually reached the Supreme Court. Bhuyan also praised Vice-Chancellor Professor Srikrishna Deva Rao, saying he had led the university well. “It was during my tenure as the Chancellor that Professor Rao was appointed as the Vice Chancellor. I must say that he has led the University admirably. He has not let the teachers and the students down,” Live Law quoted the top court judge as saying. The row erupted after a section of NALSAR students objected to the proposed invitation of CJI Surya Kant as the chief guest for their convocation. The students had raised concerns over remarks made by the CJI during proceedings on a plea concerning alleged police excesses during student protests in Delhi. The BCI’s action then took the controversy to the apex court.
On August 14, the court directed that no punitive action be taken against NALSAR students or faculty members over the campaign.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the 19th Justice Bodh Raj Sawhney Memorial Moot Court Competition, Justice Bhuyan said he could be “legitimately proud” of the students. The court clarified that while the BCI can prescribe and enforce standards of legal education in accordance with law and applicable regulations, “it cannot, however, take disciplinary action against a law student.”
