NALSAR Students Oppose Proposal to Invite CJI Surya Kant as Convocation Guest

Students from the 2026 batch at the NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad sent an email on July 23 to university officials opposing a proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the institution's upcoming convocation. The communication was sent directly to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and professors, requesting that the university administration strongly reconsider the potential choice and consult the graduating batch before any final decision is communicated or an invitation is extended.

The students stated that their objections stem from the refusal of a Supreme Court bench led by the Chief Justice to allow the urgent listing of a plea concerning alleged police action against peaceful demonstrators. The underlying petition involved alleged police excesses during the 'Chalo Sansad' demonstration held at Jantar Mantar on July 20. The march, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), had raised concerns over the conduct of the NEET examination and demanded reforms within the National Testing Agency (NTA).

In their email, the law students cited reported comments from the Chief Justice indicating that the bench was not interested in watching video evidence when lead counsel offered to display footage of the alleged police action. The students stated that receiving their degrees from a dignitary whose public conduct appeared dismissive of serious allegations of police brutality against citizens conflicted with the education provided at NALSAR.

The email noted that a convocation is meant to reflect the university's commitment to constitutional rights, access to justice, and reasoned engagement with grievances. The students explained that they raised the matter early so their views could be taken into account before a formal invitation was issued.

University officials did not provide an immediate response when comments were sought on the matter. On Sunday, a student confirmed that the varsity administration had not sent any reply to their email.