The National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad, is set to consult its Executive Council regarding the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) request for an inquiry into the recent convocation controversy involving Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. This decision comes after BCI issued two significant circulars on August 13, addressing the incident.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began when BCI initially barred the entire graduating batch of 2026 from enrolling as advocates. This action was in response to the students’ objection to the invitation extended to CJI Kant as the chief guest for their convocation ceremony. However, BCI quickly issued a second circular that retracted the enrollment ban, though it maintained the requirement for an inquiry into those who organized or led the protest against the CJI’s invitation.
NALSAR’s Position and Response
In response to the BCI’s directives, NALSAR Vice Chancellor Srikrishna Deva Rao announced through a press release that the university would deliberate on whether conducting such an inquiry aligns with its constitutional powers and governance regulations. He emphasized that the decision requires careful consideration under the university’s governance framework and would therefore be placed before the Executive Council, which is the highest decision-making body of the university as per its establishing statute.
The press release from VC Rao stated: “Given the nature of the request, the University will have to consider whether conducting such an inquiry will be a constitutional exercise of its powers. In order to assist the University, assess whether conducting such an inquiry would be constitutional and permissible under the University’s governance regulations, the matter will be placed before the Executive Council of the University.”
Next Steps
Once the Executive Council reviews and reaches a decision, NALSAR will communicate the outcome to the BCI. This step will determine whether the university will proceed with the BCI’s inquiry demand. The university’s decision will be pivotal in addressing the ongoing debate surrounding the convocation and the roles of the stakeholders involved.
