NLSIU students, alumni seek BCI’s ‘apology’ to NALSAR; oppose Manan Kumar Mishra, CJI’s presence at convocation

NLSIU Students and Alumni Demand BCI Apology Over NALSAR Enrolment Order

Theindiapostdaily.com – Students and alumni of the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru have united to demand an unconditional apology from the Bar Council of India. The group is responding to the regulator’s now-withdrawn directive that restricted enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduates. According to PTI, the statement was released on Independence Day and signed by 165 graduating students, 409 current students, and 128 alumni.

Constitutional Concerns Raised

The collective statement characterised the BCI’s action as both unconstitutional and illegal. Signatories argued that the Council exceeded its statutory powers under the Advocates Act, 1961. While the Act empowers the BCI to prescribe professional conduct standards and promote legal education, it does not authorise arbitrary suspension of enrolment for qualified advocates. The students cited Section 24A of the Act, noting it specifies disqualification grounds without allowing denial based on alleged disrespect toward judicial officers.

Freedom of expression concerns were also highlighted. The statement described the BCI’s intervention as a direct attack on Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Invoking Rabindranath Tagore’s famous poem, the signatories emphasised that students, faculty, and university administrations must be able to act according to conscience and constitutional values without fear.

NALSAR Students Challenge Inquiry Process

Meanwhile, the NALSAR Student Bar Council has raised concerns about the BCI’s inquiry being overly intrusive. The council stated that the direction to identify individuals involved in the alleged campaign amounts to an invasion of student privacy. The inquiry sought details about those who initiated, drafted, coordinated, or circulated the campaign—including student office-bearers, faculty members, research scholars, alumni, and external participants.

The NALSAR council also objected to the language used in BCI communications, which referred to “groupism” and “dirty politics.” Allegations that some faculty members were “misleading, misguiding and instigating students” were described as unfounded. The council argued that peaceful expression of dissent should not be treated in such a manner, and that referring to “a handful of teachers and outsiders” denied students ownership of their political views.

Convocation Guest Controversy Continues

The controversy extends beyond the enrolment order to include the proposed role of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as chief guest at NALSAR’s convocation. The NLSIU statement called for reconsideration of the CJI’s invitation and expressed disapproval of his attendance at NLSIU’s upcoming convocation as well. Additionally, signatories questioned BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra’s presence at the NLSIU convocation without taking responsibility for his conduct.

A section of NALSAR students had earlier written to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and professors opposing the CJI invitation. The objections reportedly related to comments made by the CJI concerning student protests in Delhi. The NALSAR Student Bar Council emphasised that universities should foster independent thought, critical inquiry, and the courage to question authority.

FAQ: Understanding the NLSIU-NALSAR Dispute

Q: What was the BCI’s original directive regarding NALSAR students? A: The BCI issued letters dated August 13 directing State Bar Councils not to enrol students from NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch as advocates. This order was later withdrawn following objections.

Q: Why are NLSIU students and alumni supporting NALSAR? A: They believe the BCI’s action exceeded its statutory powers and violated constitutional rights. The collective statement demonstrates solidarity with NALSAR’s student community.

Q: What role did the CJI play in this controversy? A: The CJI was proposed as chief guest at NALSAR’s convocation, which sparked student objections. The controversy relates to comments the CJI made about student protests in Delhi.

Q: What are the students demanding from the BCI? A: Students are seeking an unconditional apology, clarification on the protocol for using the BCI’s official letterhead, and reconsideration of the CJI’s convocation invitation.