NALSAR Students Oppose Inviting CJI Surya Kant to Convocation

A section of students from the 2026 batch at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad has written to the university administration opposing a proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the upcoming convocation. The students sent an email communication on July 23 to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and professors of the institution to voice their objections before any formal decision is finalized.

The students stated that their concern stems from the Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant declining to allow an urgent listing of a plea concerning alleged police action against protesters. The alleged police excesses occurred during a peaceful 'Chalo Sansad' demonstration at Jantar Mantar on July 20. The march to Parliament had been called by the Cockroach Janta Party to raise concerns regarding the conduct of the NEET examination and reforms in the National Testing Agency.

According to the email, the students highlighted reported comments made by the Chief Justice indicating that the bench was not interested in watching video evidence when the lead counsel offered to show footage of the alleged police brutality during the protest.

Writing as graduating law students, the group emphasized that convocation represents a moment where the university’s values—including access to justice, constitutional rights, and reasoned engagement with grievances—should be reflected in its choices. They stated that receiving their degrees from a dignitary whose reported conduct appeared dismissive of police brutality allegations sat uncomfortably with what they were taught during their time at NALSAR.

The students requested the administration to strongly reconsider the selection of the chief guest and to consult the graduating batch before any final decision is communicated or an invitation is formally extended. A student stated on Sunday that they have not received any reply from the university administration regarding their email, and university officials offered no immediate response when comments were sought on the matter.