NALSAR Hyderabad student Protest (Img: Google)
New Delhi: A group of graduating students from the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, has urged the university administration to reconsider its reported proposal to invite Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant as the chief guest for the upcoming convocation ceremony.
In a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and professors, the students stated that the convocation ceremony should reflect the university's commitment to "constitutional rights, access to justice, and the reasoned consideration of grievances."
The primary reason for the students' objection is the Supreme Court's reported refusal to list for urgent hearing a petition concerning police action against protesters during the 'Chalo Sansad' (March to Parliament) demonstration at Jantar Mantar on July 20.
This protest was organized by the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP), with participants raising issues such as the conduct of the NEET examination and the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
In their letter, the students cited reports detailing the events- ranging from the CJI referring to the youth as "cockroaches" to his response when a lawyer sought an urgent hearing on the matter on July 22, telling the counsel, "Don't waste our time, and don't waste your time either. "When the lawyer offered to show video evidence of the alleged police excesses, the CJI reportedly replied, "We are not interested in videos. We do not have the time to watch them."
The letter further claims that when the lawyer was explaining the issues behind the protest, he was interrupted and told, "Thank you very much."
The students noted that a separate petition, in the form of a letter, has already been sent to the CJI, urging the Supreme Court to take *suo motu* cognizance of the alleged police actions. The petition cites the injuries sustained by over 170 protesters—including women and children—and refers to the safeguards established in the 'D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal' case. Students accuse the CJI of ignoring police brutality.
Students from the graduating batch stated that they are receiving their degrees from a distinguished figure whose recent public conduct has drawn criticism for ignoring serious allegations of police brutality against protesting citizens. The students maintain that this conduct is inconsistent with the values instilled in them at NALSAR.
They have urged the university to seriously reconsider this decision and to consult the graduating batch before formally extending any invitations. They have also sought an opportunity to discuss the matter with the administration and requested a response.
