The Bar Council of India (BCI) has reversed its prior directive that restricted the enrolment of students from the 2026 batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. This decision comes after a detailed inquiry into a student-led campaign against Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant’s participation in the university’s convocation.
Background of the Campaign
The campaign in question involved a segment of NALSAR students who opposed the Chief Justice’s presence at their convocation ceremony. Initially, the BCI reacted by imposing a temporary suspension on the enrolment of the entire 2026 batch with any State Bar Council, pending a thorough investigation.
BCI’s Investigation and Decision
BCI Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, had previously instructed NALSAR’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Srikrishna Deva Rao, and state bar councils to furnish a detailed report identifying those responsible for spearheading the campaign. The BCI’s initial order, dated prior to the withdrawal, 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.”
However, after receiving and reviewing the reports, the BCI concluded that the majority of the 2026 batch students were not involved in the campaign or any disrespectful conduct. In a statement, the BCI expressed, “After thorough discussion, the Members are of the unanimous view that as per the latest report, a vast majority of the students of NALSAR (2026 pass out students) are innocent and they were not inclined to take part in the move of disrespect.”
Outcome and Implications
As a result of these findings, the BCI decided to retract the enrolment ban, allowing all students from the 2026 batch to proceed with their enrolment at their preferred State Bar Council. The BCI’s decision signifies a shift back to normalcy for these students, who can now look forward to pursuing their legal careers without the hindrance of the previous ban.
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This development highlights the BCI’s commitment to ensuring fair and thorough investigations before taking actions that significantly affect the professional futures of law graduates. It also underscores the importance of balancing disciplinary measures with the need to protect the rights of students who may not be involved in contentious activities.
