BCI withdraws NALSAR enrolment ban hours after barring 2026 graduates over CJI convocation campaign
BCI Withdraws NALSAR Enrolment Ban Hours After Controversy
Theindiapostdaily.com – The Bar Council of India (BCI) has reversed its decision to block enrolment of NALSAR University of Law's 2026 law graduates. This comes just hours after the regulator initially ordered State Bar Councils to halt enrolment proceedings. The reversal follows a thorough review of the situation involving alleged opposition to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's participation in the university's convocation ceremony.
Understanding the Original Ban and Its Reversal
On Thursday, the BCI issued a circular directing all State Bar Councils not to enrol any 2026 law graduate from NALSAR as an advocate until further orders. The regulator cited reports of an organised campaign opposing the CJI's convocation attendance. However, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra later modified this order after council members concluded that the vast majority of students were innocent.
The revised circular states: "Accordingly, the Council modifies the order of Chairman with regard to the ban on the enrolment of the NALSAR Students with the State Bar Councils. All the students will be entitled to get enrolled with the State Bar Councils of their choice." This decision ensures that no student shall suffer without fault on their part.
What the BCI Is Still Investigating
While the enrolment ban has been lifted, the BCI has not closed its inquiry. The regulator has asked NALSAR to identify individuals instrumental in initiating, organising, drafting, circulating, coordinating, or mobilising the campaign. The university must provide complete copies of any representations or petitions submitted, along with signatory lists.
The BCI seeks details about people involved in organising meetings, communicating with media, administering social media groups, and proposing boycott calls. The regulator also wants to know whether any student body, Student Bar Council, Students' Union, or other recognised student organisation participated in the campaign.
Faculty Allegations and Next Steps
In its earlier communication, the BCI alleged that "groupism and dirty politics" existed among some NALSAR academic staff. The regulator claimed certain teachers played an active role in misleading and instigating students. These allegations remain subject to inquiry and have not been established as final findings against any individual.
BCI Chairman Mishra had requested NALSAR Vice-Chancellor Professor Srikrishna Deva Rao to submit an authenticated factual report within three days. The Council stated it would wait for this inquiry report before deciding on further action. The regulator also directed State Bar Councils to defer enrolment where specific individuals were named for statutory examination.
FAQ: BCI Withdraws NALSAR Enrolment Ban Hours
Q: When did the BCI withdraw the NALSAR enrolment ban? A: The BCI withdrew the ban hours after initially issuing it on Thursday, following a council meeting and review of the situation.
Q: Who was the CJI involved in the NALSAR convocation controversy? A: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was the CJI whose participation in NALSAR's convocation was allegedly opposed by some students and faculty.
Q: What is the BCI investigating regarding NALSAR? A: The BCI is investigating who initiated, organised, and mobilised the campaign against the CJI's convocation participation, including students, faculty, and outsiders.
Q: Will all NALSAR 2026 graduates be allowed to enrol? A: Yes, the revised circular allows all 2026 graduates to enrol with their chosen State Bar Councils, though the inquiry continues.
Q: What role did teachers allegedly play in the controversy? A: The BCI alleged that a handful of teachers and outsiders were instrumental in instigating innocent students and that some academic staff engaged in "groupism and dirty politics."