Bar Council Reverses NALSAR Graduate Enrolment Ban Hours After Issuing It

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday withdrew its order halting the enrolment of all 2026 law graduates from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.

The reversal came hours after the BCI initially directed state bar councils not to enrol any NALSAR graduates pending an inquiry into a campaign opposing the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at the university's convocation. In its revised communication, the BCI stated that its members unanimously concluded that the vast majority of the 2026 graduates were innocent and had not intended to show disrespect.

The Council also indicated that a handful of teachers and outsiders may have been instrumental in instigating the students. The BCI will await an inquiry report from the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor before deciding on further action, emphasizing that no student should suffer without fault. The initial order had sought a report from the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor within three days, asking the university to identify those principally involved in the campaign against Justice Kant's invitation.

The dispute arose from student objections to Justice Kant's proposed role as chief guest, citing his remarks during proceedings concerning alleged police excesses against NEET protesters. The BCI chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, had previously stated that students showing disrespect to the highest judicial office could not be expected to become responsible legal professionals. The Advocates Act, 1961, outlines individualised processes for enrolment and disqualification, not collective punishment.