BCI Suspends NALSAR 2026 Enrolment Amidst CJI Campaign Controversy
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has imposed a suspension on the enrolment of the 2026 NALSAR University of Law graduates following a campaign against the appearance of the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, at the university’s convocation. This directive, signed by BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, mandates the university to identify and report the individuals responsible for orchestrating this campaign.
The BCI’s communication, addressed to NALSAR Vice-Chancellor Prof Srikrishna Deva Rao and all state bar councils, stated, “Till further orders, no student of NALSAR University of Law, who has obtained the Law Degree in the year 2026, shall be enrolled by any State Bar Council as an Advocate.” This decision stems from reports suggesting that certain faculty members might have influenced students to oppose the CJI’s participation in the event, which the BCI perceives as detrimental to legal education.
According to the BCI, “As per some reliable sources, there exists groupism and dirty politics among some of the academic staff, and they have played a very active role in misleading, instigating, and misguiding the students. This is a very serious matter.” The BCI has demanded an authenticated report from the university within three days, identifying those who were “principally instrumental” in the campaign. This includes any documentation or petitions circulated and the list of signatories involved.
Upon receiving the report, the BCI intends to scrutinize the role of involved individuals and will instruct state bar councils to withhold enrolment for those whose actions warrant further investigation. The bar councils are advised against processing enrolment applications if any names are flagged for inquiry, with decisions to be deferred pending further examination.
In its directive, the BCI underscored that its authority under Sections 7(1)(b), (g), (h), and (i), and Section 49 of the Advocates Act, 1961, allows it to ensure that professional conduct standards apply to law students. The BCI stressed that organized intimidation or coercion against a constitutional functionary differs from legitimate expressions of dissent.
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The council clarified that participation in the campaign does not automatically disqualify individuals from enrolment under Section 24A, as a distinction will be made between mere supporters and those who actively organized or disrupted the event. State bar councils have been instructed to defer decisions on pending applications and notify the BCI of their status. This deferment aims to maintain the integrity of the enrolment process, with the understanding that a preliminary inquiry does not equate to a finding of misconduct.
A final decision regarding the matter is anticipated on August 19, 2026, contingent upon the receipt and review of the report from NALSAR University of Law.
