Hours after freezing the enrolment of the 2026 batch of NALSAR graduates, the Bar Council of India (BCI) made a major U-turn, modifying its earlier order and clarifying that all students who graduated from NALSAR University of Law can enrol as advocates.
The modification comes after the BCI had earlier directed State Bar Councils not to enrol any 2026 NALSAR graduate until further orders over a campaign opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s participation in the university’s convocation.
The BCI has now said that there is no bar on enrolment of NALSAR students. According to the BCI, its sources indicated that a handful of teachers and outsiders had allegedly instigated innocent students into campaigning against the CJI.
The development effectively
removes the earlier freeze on the enrolment of the NALSAR 2026 batch, allowing all eligible graduates to proceed with enrolment.
Bar Council Bars Enrolment Of 2026 NALSAR Graduates
The Bar Council of India (BCI) earlier directed all State Bar Councils not to enrol any student who graduated from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, in 2026 as an advocate until further orders.
This came in response to a campaign by a section of outgoing students opposing the participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in the university’s convocation. The BCI has sought a factual report from NALSAR identifying those involved in organising and mobilising the campaign.
Final Decision On August 19
BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra had asked the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor to submit an authenticated report within three days identifying those who were principally involved in initiating, organising, coordinating or mobilising the campaign.
The BCI had also sought copies of any representation, petition, memorandum or other communication submitted to the university regarding the proposed participation or invitation of the CJI, along with the complete list of signatories available in official records.
The final decision in the matter is scheduled to be taken on August 19, 2026, after the Vice-Chancellor’s report is received.
What BCI Is Seeking From NALSAR
The BCI had asked the university to identify those who initiated or drafted the campaign, circulated it through the media, organised meetings, coordinated or mobilised participation, communicated with the press, administered any official or organised social-media group, or proposed or mobilised a call for boycott, obstruction, disruption or organised non-participation in the convocation or any related programme.
It had also sought details of any involvement by student organisations, faculty members, research scholars, alumni or outsiders.
The BCI said some reliable sources had reported groupism and “dirty politics” among some academic staff, alleging that they had played an active role in misleading, instigating and misguiding students.
BCI Says Enrolment Freeze Is Interim
The BCI has clarified that it has not, at this stage, declared anyone disqualified from enrolment merely because of participation in the representation or campaign.
However, it said allowing enrolment while an inquiry was pending could frustrate the process. It therefore ordered an interim freeze on enrolment of the entire NALSAR 2026 batch.
The BCI said the interim arrangement would continue until the individual issue was disposed of or further directions were issued. It said the names communicated during the preliminary stage should, as far as possible, remain confidential, as communication of a name does not itself amount to a conclusive finding of misconduct or disqualification.
NALSAR Students’ Campaign Draws Strong Reaction
The BCI said legal education encourages critical reasoning, debate and analysis of judicial decisions. However, students entering a regulated profession connected with the administration of justice are expected to distinguish reasoned criticism from conduct that may involve intimidation, obstruction, organised disruption or disregard of professional responsibilities.
Mishra said a law student showing no regard or respect for the highest judicial office was not expected to become a responsible advocate, teacher or judge. He said such conduct was inconsistent with the dignity, discipline and ethical standards of the legal profession.
Saurav Das Hits Back At BCI
CJI Co-Convenor Saurav Das strongly criticised the order in a post on X.
“Mr. Manan Mishra, HANDS OFF our students!” Das said, calling the order “grossly illegal”. He defended the students’ right to democratic dissent and questioned the BCI chairman’s own record and tenure.
Das also raised questions about the BCI’s role in State Bar Councils and alleged that Mishra had illegally intervened in the 2026 Chhattisgarh State Bar Council.
He warned that law students and advocates in Delhi and across the country would protest in support of NALSAR students if the notification was not withdrawn immediately and an apology issued.
