Supreme Court Questions BCI Over Withdrawn Directive Against NALSAR Students
The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the Bar Council of India's intervention against students of NALSAR University of Law, observing that students have a right to protest after the regulatory body withdrew a directive that sought to block the enrolment of the 2026 graduating batch as advocates.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, issued notice to the BCI and ordered that no punitive action be taken against NALSAR students or faculty at the instance of the council or any state bar council. CJI Kant questioned the BCI's role, observing that it was a dialogue between him and the students and remarked, "Who can stop them."
The dispute arose after a section of NALSAR students wrote to the university's vice-chancellor, registrar, and faculty opposing a proposed invitation to CJI Surya Kant as the chief guest for an upcoming convocation. The students' objections followed remarks made by the CJI during a court hearing concerning alleged police excesses against students during a July 20 protest march to Parliament.
Following the letter, the BCI sought a factual report from NALSAR regarding those who mobilised the campaign. BCI Chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Manan Kumar Mishra stated in an initial communication that students showing no regard for the country's highest judicial office raised questions regarding their suitability for the legal profession. The council subsequently directed state bar councils to withhold the enrolment of NALSAR's 2026 graduates until further orders.
The directive drew widespread criticism from the legal fraternity, with Supreme Court Bar Association president Vikas Singh describing the move as illegal, disproportionate, and fundamentally unsustainable.
The BCI subsequently modified its order and later withdrew the directive entirely, stating that the 2026 batch had no role in any disturbance and that the vast majority were innocent. Counsel for the BCI informed the Supreme Court on Friday that the circular had already been withdrawn. The apex court has posted the matter for hearing after two weeks.
