In a significant move, Manan Kumar Mishra, the chairperson of the Bar Council of India (BCI), extended an apology to law students in a letter issued on Independence Day. This comes amid criticism from students at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law in Hyderabad, as well as the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore, regarding the BCI’s handling of the controversy surrounding Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant’s involvement in NALSAR’s 2026 convocation ceremony.
The letter, while not explicitly naming the universities or detailing the specific dispute, addresses recent events that have sparked concern among the student community. Mishra acknowledged the impact of the controversy on law students, stating, “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 apologize for the same. There should be no hesitation in saying so. An expression of regret is not a matter of prestige or ego. It is simply an acknowledgment that the feelings and concerns of our students matter.”
This apology highlights the sensitivity of the BCI towards the sentiments of law students, recognizing the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with future legal professionals. The controversy arose when questions were raised about the appropriateness of CJI Surya Kant’s participation in the convocation ceremony, a topic that sparked considerable debate within the legal academic community.
By addressing the students directly, Mishra’s letter aims to quell the unrest and demonstrate the BCI’s commitment to upholding the values and aspirations of law students. The gesture is seen as a step towards rebuilding trust and ensuring that the voices of students are heard in matters affecting their academic and professional futures.
The BCI’s role in regulating legal education and profession in India makes its actions and decisions closely scrutinized by law students and faculty. This incident underscores the need for clear communication and understanding between regulatory bodies and academic institutions to foster a supportive and constructive educational environment.
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As the legal community watches closely, this apology may set a precedent for how similar disputes are managed in the future, emphasizing transparency and responsiveness to student concerns as key to maintaining harmony within the legal education sector.
