BCI Revokes Order Barring 2026 NALSAR Graduates From Enrolment as Advocates

The Bar Council of India (BCI) today revoked its order that barred 2026 batch law graduates of NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad from enrolling as advocates. The revocation followed an earlier directive issued by the council today instructing all State Bar Councils to withhold the enrolment of the graduating batch after students protested a proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the university's convocation.

BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra initially stated that no student receiving a law degree from NALSAR in 2026 should be enrolled as an advocate until further directions. However, the council subsequently withdrew the restriction while seeking a detailed account from the university regarding the protest campaign.

The BCI has given NALSAR three days to submit an authenticated report identifying students and staff members involved in initiating, organising, coordinating, or mobilising opposition to the Chief Justice's visit. The regulator requested copies of any petitions, representations, or memorandums submitted to university authorities, along with the complete list of signatories from official records.

In its statement, the BCI asserted that a law student lacking respect for the country's highest judicial office cannot be expected to become a responsible advocate, teacher, or judge. The council stated that such conduct reflects adversely on a person's suitability for the legal profession and added that such individuals disrupt the discipline and dignity of the legal field through strikes and boycotts.

Mishra, who is also a BJP Rajya Sabha MP, alleged that reliable sources indicated internal political activity and groupism among academic staff. He stated that certain teachers played an active role in misleading and instigating students, describing the situation as a serious matter that required intervention from the regulatory body.

The controversy originated from a representation submitted by graduating NALSAR students to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and faculty members. The students asked the university to reconsider inviting Justice Surya Kant, arguing that the convocation should align with NALSAR's commitment to constitutional rights and reasoned engagement.

The students' objections stemmed from Supreme Court proceedings on July 22 concerning alleged police action against protesters during a July 20 demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. During a mentioning before a bench headed by Justice Surya Kant, a lawyer requested urgent listing regarding police excesses against students. Remarks made by Justice Surya Kant during the exchange, including "don't waste our time and yours" and "we don't want to watch any videos," prompted the students' campaign.