Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: Following in the footsteps of students at Hyderabad’s NALSAR University of Law, students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have raised objections to inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra to the university’s upcoming convocation ceremony.
Joint Statement Condemns BCI’s Order Against NALSAR
In a joint statement issued on August 15, NLSIU students and alumni strongly condemned the controversial Bar Council of India order that had temporarily suspended the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law students, an order that was later withdrawn. According to the statement, signed by 165 graduating students of the 2026 batch, 409 current students and 128 alumni, while BCI has since dropped its proceedings against NALSAR, the initiation of such an unconstitutional and unlawful process against students and faculty of a government university by a statutory body remains a serious matter in itself.
Statement Says Withdrawal of Order Doesn’t Absolve Accountability
The statement further argued that BCI withdrawing its order does not absolve its chairman of accountability. NLSIU students said that inviting a Chief Justice who they believe openly displayed disregard and contempt toward them as chief guest would not only be insulting but would also mock years of student struggle. The statement expressed unconditional solidarity with fellow students at NALSAR, praising them for setting an example in speaking truth to power.
Students Demand Unconditional Apology from BCI
NLSIU students have demanded that the Bar Council of India issue an unconditional apology to NALSAR’s student and faculty community, asserting that BCI’s actions have had a negative impact on free speech for students and citizens across the country. The statement also expressed objection to BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending NLSIU’s convocation without taking responsibility for his conduct.
Students Support NALSAR’s Call to Reconsider CJI Invitation
The statement added that NLSIU students support NALSAR’s demand for reconsideration of its decision to invite the CJI as chief guest for its own convocation, and in light of this, expressed their disagreement with the CJI’s participation in NLSIU’s convocation ceremony as well.
