BCI withdraws ban on enrolment of NALSAR 2026 graduates after CJI row

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday withdrew its order barring the entire 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, from enrolling with state bar councils, hours after imposing the restriction amid a controversy over students opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's proposed participation in the university's convocation. The BCI said the overwhelming majority of graduating students were not involved in any attempt to disrespect the office of the Chief Justice of India and should not suffer because of the actions allegedly attributable to a small group. All students from the batch will now be permitted to enrol with the state bar council of their choice.

Ban withdrawn within hours

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra issued a fresh communication on Thursday evening modifying his earlier direction after the council discussed the matter. The BCI said information subsequently received indicated that the "vast majority" of students were innocent and had not intended to participate in any campaign showing disrespect towards the CJI.

The council consequently decided that the blanket restriction on enrolment should not continue, while stressing that no student should be penalised for something in which they had no role. The reversal came only hours after the BCI chairman had instructed all state bar councils not to enrol any student graduating from NALSAR in 2026 until further orders.

Inquiry to continue

While lifting the restriction, the BCI said its inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the controversy would continue. The council has sought a factual report from the university to identify those who allegedly initiated, organised or coordinated the campaign opposing the CJI's participation in the convocation. The original communication had sought details about representations submitted by students, their signatories, meetings, social-media groups, media interactions and any calls for a boycott or disruption. It also sought information about any involvement of faculty members, research scholars, alumni, student organisations or outsiders.

The BCI said it had received reports suggesting that only a small number of teachers and outsiders may have been responsible for instigating students. It will wait for the university vice-chancellor's inquiry report before deciding on further action.

What triggered row

The controversy began after a section of NALSAR students objected to the proposed invitation to CJI Surya Kant to attend the university's convocation as chief guest. NALSAR confirmed that Justice Kant had been invited, although the date of the convocation had not been finalised and the university was awaiting his response. A representation opposing the invitation was submitted on July 23 by 70 members of the outgoing LLB batch. Students from several other batches subsequently expressed solidarity with them.

Students cite court remarks

The students' objections were linked to remarks made by CJI Kant in the Supreme Court while hearing a matter concerning alleged police excesses during student protests in Delhi.

In their representation, the students raised concerns about the bench's refusal to urgently hear the plea and about remarks made when a lawyer sought to place video material concerning the alleged police action before the court.

The controversy subsequently escalated beyond the university after the BCI intervened and linked conduct showing alleged disregard for the country's highest judicial office with the dignity, discipline and ethical standards expected of members of the legal profession.

Blanket order questioned

The initial decision to freeze the enrolment of an entire graduating batch also raised legal questions.

The Advocates Act, 1961 lays down eligibility and disqualification requirements as well as the statutory procedure governing enrolment. Legal experts cited in the report questioned whether the BCI chairman's supervisory powers could be used to impose a collective and indefinite restraint on an entire batch without individual assessment.

The BCI's rapid reversal has removed the immediate threat to the professional careers of the 2026 graduates, but the underlying controversy is not over.

The council's inquiry will continue, with further action likely to depend on the NALSAR vice-chancellor's report and the identification of individuals, if any, found responsible for organising the campaign.