BCI reverses NALSAR graduates’ enrolment ban after social media backlash

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has withdrawn its controversial decision to block the enrolment of all 2026 graduates of NALSAR University of Law as advocates, hours after the move triggered a strong backlash on social media.

The BCI initially directed all state bar councils not to enrol the Hyderabad-based university’s 2026 graduates until further orders. The decision came amid allegations surrounding a campaign by some students against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s proposed participation in the university’s convocation.

The council later modified its order, allowing the entire 2026 graduating batch to proceed with enrolment.

In its revised communication, BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said the council had discussed its earlier direction and unanimously decided to modify it.

The fresh order said the “vast majority” of NALSAR’s graduating students were innocent and should not face consequences for the alleged misconduct of a few.

“All the students will be entitled to get enrolled with the State Bar Councils of their choice,” Mishra said in the communication.

The BCI also stated that it had received a report indicating that most of the 2026 graduates had not participated in the alleged act of disrespect.

The council further said it had received information from “reliable sources” suggesting that a small number of teachers and outsiders may have played a role in allegedly instigating innocent students.

What triggered the original BCI action?

A section of NALSAR students had written to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and professors opposing any proposal to invite CJI Surya Kant as the chief guest for the institution’s convocation. The date of the convocation has not yet been announced.

The BCI said it was examining allegations linked to the campaign and had sought a report to identify those responsible.

It had initially said that a final decision would be taken on August 19 after examining the material placed before it.

The council has also directed the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor to conduct an inquiry into the matter and said it would consider further action after receiving the report.

SCBA president criticises initial decision

The BCI's first decision drew criticism from Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Vikas Singh, who described the move as arbitrary and disproportionate.

Singh argued that the decision amounted to an attempt to intimidate law students for exercising their freedom of speech and expression.

He said universities should remain spaces for free thought and debate, while questioning the decision to affect the professional future of an entire batch over allegations involving only some individuals.

With the revised order, the 2026 graduates of NALSAR can proceed with enrolment before state bar councils while the inquiry into the controversy continues.

With PTI inputs