BCI Rescinds Ban on Enrolment of NALSAR 2026 Law Graduates

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday rescinded its decision asking State Bar Councils not to enrol the 2026 graduating batch from Hyderabad's NALSAR University of Law. The regulatory body modified its earlier order, confirming that all graduating students will now be entitled to enrol with the State Bar Councils of their choice.

The initial restriction was issued amid controversy regarding an invitation extended to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to serve as the chief guest at the varsity's convocation ceremony. However, the BCI reversed its stance within hours after discussions among its members.

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra stated that no student should be penalised without fault on their part. According to the BCI, council members unanimously determined that the vast majority of NALSAR's 2026 passing-out students were innocent and had no intention of participating in any act of disrespect.

The controversy began after a section of NALSAR students objected to inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to the convocation. In an email addressed to the Vice Chancellor, the protesting students expressed concerns regarding a Supreme Court Bench led by the CJI, which had refused to allow an urgent listing of a plea related to alleged police action against peaceful demonstrators during the 'Chalo Sansad' protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20.

In response to the developments, the BCI Chairman sent a letter to NALSAR University of Law Vice Chancellor Prof. Srikrishna Deva Rao seeking a comprehensive factual report regarding the incident. Mishra noted that the Council will await the Vice Chancellor's inquiry report before deciding on any further course of action.

Citing reports from reliable sources, the BCI Chairman also stated that a handful of teachers and outsiders were responsible for instigating the students during the dispute.