Students of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), located in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, have objected to the invitation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra to the upcoming convocation. Students say that this is not just a matter of inviting a guest to the convocation, but is also about the freedom to dissent and express one's views.
Students and alumni of NLSIU expressed support for the students of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad in a letter released on Saturday. He raised questions on the action of the BCI Chairman and the CJI's proposal to attend the programme. Students say that students studying in the country's premier law institutes should not fear for their careers if they disagree with people holding influential positions.
Also read: Trouble in Himachal! So far 79 people have died in the rain; Loss of Rs 973 crore
Where did the controversy start?
The matter first came to light in NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. Here some students of the 2026 batch had objected to Justice Surya Kant being made the chief guest at the convocation ceremony. The students' objection was related to the CJI's remarks regarding the hearing of a petition related to police excesses during a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Let us tell you that Justice Surya Kant was quoted as saying, 'Don't waste our time.' However, he later clarified that he had not refused to hear the petition, but had asked for it to be filed in a proper manner.
Ruckus even on BCI order
Amid the controversy, BCI had directed state bar councils to stop enrollment of students of 2026 batch of NALSAR as lawyers till further orders. The order said that a student who does not have respect for the highest judicial institution of the country cannot be expected to become a responsible lawyer, teacher or judge. The controversy increased after this order. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra later said that most of the students are innocent and all should not be punished for the mistake of a few students. After this BCI withdrew the order and Mishra also apologized to the students.
Also read: RJD's march against paper leak on August 19, Tejashwi Yadav announced
NLSIU students demanded unconditional apology
The students and alumni of NLSIU have demanded an unconditional apology from the BCI to the students and teachers of NALSAR. He alleged that the BCI's action was going to affect the freedom of expression of the students. NLSIU and BCI have a long-standing institutional relationship. Justice Surya Kant presided over the 2025 NLSIU convocation while Manan Kumar Mishra delivered the welcome address.