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Chief Justice of India Surya Kant (Img: Pinterest)
New Delhi: A controversy surrounding the proposed invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at NALSAR University of Law’s convocation has sparked a major debate in legal circles, after the Bar Council of India (BCI) temporarily froze the enrolment of the university’s 2026 graduating batch before withdrawing the order within hours.
The episode began after a section of NALSAR students raised objections to the proposed participation of CJI Surya Kant at the convocation ceremony. Around 70 members of the outgoing LLB batch submitted a representation to the university administration, expressing concerns over remarks attributed to the Chief Justice during a Supreme Court hearing related to alleged police excesses during a student protest.
The students argued that inviting the CJI as the chief guest conflicted with their understanding of constitutional values and accountability. The representation triggered a wider debate over student expression, judicial criticism and academic freedom.
Following the controversy, the Bar Council of India issued an order directing State Bar Councils not to enrol any 2026 law graduate from NALSAR as an advocate until further instructions.
The BCI sought details from the university regarding the students involved in the campaign, including information about signatories, meetings, social media activity and alleged involvement of faculty members or outside groups.
The council stated that the temporary freeze was necessary while examining the matter and raised concerns over maintaining discipline and ethical standards within the legal profession.
The BCI’s action triggered strong criticism from legal professionals, students and public figures. Concerns were raised that restricting advocate enrolment could amount to penalising students for expressing their views.
Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh criticised the move, calling it disproportionate and arguing that universities should remain spaces for free debate and discussion.
Amid growing criticism and a protest threat from Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, the BCI reviewed its decision and withdrew the enrolment freeze order.
In its revised communication, the BCI clarified that the majority of students were not responsible for any alleged misconduct and should not face consequences. The council allowed all NALSAR 2026 graduates to enrol with State Bar Councils of their choice.
The BCI also ended proceedings against the graduating batch, stating that after reviewing feedback from senior advocates, law students and members of the public, it found no basis to hold the entire batch accountable.
The controversy has now become a wider discussion on the balance between institutional authority, freedom of expression and the rights of law students entering the legal profession.
