Days after the Bar Council of India (BCI) tried to prevent NALSAR students from enrolling with State Bar Councils before a backlash forced it to recant, BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra on Saturday (August 15, 2026) apologised to law students for any hurt caused by his words or communications.
In a three-page letter issued on Independence Day, Mr. “If anything connected with the present controversy, any of my words, or letter, has hurt the feelings of our law students, I sincerely regret and apologise for the same. There should be no hesitation in saying so. An expression of regret is not a matter of prestige or ego. He emphasised that law students, particularly those studying at national law universities and other leading institutions, are capable of forming their own views and should not be subjected to pressure or influence. Acknowledging that protests are an important part of democracy, Mr. Describing convocation ceremonies as important milestones in the lives of graduating students and their families, Mr. The BCI chairman emphasised that differences between the judiciary, the Bar, universities, and law students should not be allowed to damage their relationship in the long term. Mr. Mishra appealed for the issue to be approached with an attitude of fairness and reconciliation. “The issue should not be allowed to acquire a political or extraneous colour through outside influence. Our law students are mature and discerning enough to examine the facts, consider the clarification offered, and take their own independent decision,” he added.
Mishra — who is also a senior advocate and BJP MP — said he regretted and apologised for any of his statements or directives that may have hurt students. It is simply an acknowledgment that the feelings and concerns of our students matter,” he said. He said students should be allowed to independently assess the facts and reach their own conclusions. Mishra said that students must always remain free to express their views. Mishra said the choice of whether to attend must rest entirely with the students, adding that no student should be forced either to participate or to stay away. Disagreements should ultimately be addressed through dialogue, clarification, and mutual respect, he said.
