CJI Surya Kant Slams BCI Over NALSAR Protest Row, Directs No Punitive Action Against Students

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday strongly criticised the Bar Council of India (BCI) over its now-withdrawn decision to halt the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduating batch as advocates, calling the move “absolutely uncalled for” and asserting that students have the right to protest.

The Supreme Court also sought a response from the BCI on the circulars issued in connection with the controversy and directed that no punitive action be taken against NALSAR students or faculty members.

The controversy erupted after a section of students at Hyderabad-based NALSAR objected to the reported invitation to CJI Surya Kant to attend the university’s forthcoming convocation as chief guest. The students’ objection was linked to remarks made by the CJI during proceedings concerning alleged police action against protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Reacting to the BCI’s intervention, CJI Surya Kant said the issue was essentially a matter of dialogue between him and the students.

“Absolutely uncalled for. I myself was a student who was actively engaged in protests. It's a dialogue between me and students; who are they (BCI) to interfere,” the Chief Justice said.

BCI Had Initially Halted Enrolment

The BCI had directed State Bar Councils not to enrol any student graduating from NALSAR in 2026 as an advocate until further orders. The move came amid an inquiry into what the council described as a campaign opposing the CJI’s participation in the university’s convocation.

The council had also sought details from the university about students allegedly involved in initiating, organising or coordinating the campaign.

In its initial statement, the BCI argued that students aspiring to enter the legal profession were expected to maintain respect for the highest judicial office and suggested that participation in protests and boycotts could undermine professional standards.

The decision triggered criticism from lawyers and political leaders, with Supreme Court Bar Association President and senior advocate Vikas Singh describing the move as “arbitrary, illegal and disproportionate”.

BCI Withdraws Order

Facing mounting criticism, BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra announced on Thursday that the earlier directions had been modified.

Under the revised decision, all students who graduated from NALSAR in 2026 would be free to seek enrolment with the State Bar Council of their choice. The BCI initially said a factual inquiry would continue and that further action could follow based on its report.

Mishra later said the proceedings had been closed altogether after the council considered representations from senior advocates, members of the Bar, law students and members of the public. He said the council was satisfied that the 2026 NALSAR batch had no role in any disturbance or movement.

What Sparked the Students’ Protest?

The dispute began when a group of graduating students asked the NALSAR administration to reconsider the reported decision to invite CJI Surya Kant as chief guest for the convocation.

The students linked their objection to proceedings before a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Surya Kant concerning alleged police excesses against protesters during a July 20 demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

During the July 22 proceedings, a lawyer seeking urgent listing of a petition had referred to alleged police brutality and said video evidence was available. The remarks attributed to the CJI during the exchange subsequently became a point of contention among the students.

Justice Surya Kant later clarified that the Supreme Court had not refused to hear the matter, saying a proper petition had to be filed in accordance with the court’s procedure.

The Supreme Court’s intervention on Friday now puts the focus on protecting the students and faculty from punitive action while the court examines the BCI’s circulars.

The development also underscores the wider debate over students’ right to dissent, academic freedom and the limits of regulatory bodies’ powers when professional consequences are attached to campus protests.

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