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NALSAR Students, Alumni Demand Bar Council Apology Over Withdrawn Order

Conflict12 sourcesAug 15, 2026
FlatRigor 5112 sources

Students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, have demanded an unconditional apology from the Bar Council of India (BCI) for its now-withdrawn directive restricting the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law's 2026 graduates. The statement, released on Independence Day, was signed by 165 NLSIU graduating students, 409 current students, and 128 alumni. They condemned the BCI's action as unconstitutional and illegal and expressed solidarity with the NALSAR student community. The NALSAR Student Bar Council also condemned the BCI's withdrawn order and sought an apology from BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra over what it described as objectionable remarks about students and faculty, specifically Mishra's statement that a handful of teachers and outsiders were instrumental in instigating innocent students. The BCI had on Thursday instructed state bar councils not to enrol any graduate from NALSAR's 2026 batch as an advocate, a directive withdrawn within hours following widespread criticism. The NALSAR Student Bar Council argued that the BCI's direction was outside its statutory functions and questioned its directive to the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor to prepare an inquiry report. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant also criticized the BCI's action, stating it was a dialogue between students and me and questioned the BCI's authority to interfere.

What they agree on

  • The Bar Council of India (BCI) issued a directive to state bar councils to halt the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law's 2026 graduates.
  • The BCI subsequently withdrew the directive within hours following criticism.
  • Students and alumni from NALSAR and NLSIU condemned the BCI's withdrawn order.
  • Chief Justice of India Surya Kant criticized the BCI's action.
  • BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra is identified as the head of the BCI.

Where they split

  • Some sources emphasize the number of NLSIU students and alumni who signed the statement demanding an apology from the BCI.
  • Other sources focus on the specific remarks made by BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra that drew criticism.
  • Coverage varies in the prominence given to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's statements rebuking the BCI.
  • Some articles include details about the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its role in the controversy.