BCI halts enrolment of NALSAR 2026 batch over CJI convocation campaign

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed all state bar councils to halt the enrolment of any law graduate from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, belonging to the 2026 batch, until further orders. The directive follows what the BCI described as an organised campaign against the participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in the university's convocation ceremony.

The order, issued by BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, said the council had taken note of reports and material in the public domain regarding the campaign. The BCI has asked the university to submit an authenticated factual report within three days, and the matter will be considered on August 19 after the vice-chancellor presents the report.

The council has requested NALSAR to identify, based on verifiable material, the persons allegedly responsible for initiating, drafting, circulating, coordinating or mobilising the campaign. It also sought details of individuals involved in organising meetings, communicating with the media, managing social media or organised groups, or proposing or mobilising any call for boycott, obstruction, disruption or organised non-participation in the convocation or any programme connected with the Chief Justice.

In addition, the BCI has sought information on whether any student body, student bar council, students' union or other recognised organisation was involved in initiating, approving, coordinating or circulating the campaign. The university has also been asked to specify whether any faculty member, research scholar, alumnus or outsider participated in initiating, drafting, coordinating, advising or facilitating the campaign.

Furthermore, the council has requested copies of relevant resolutions, minutes, agendas or other official records of meetings connected with the matter, and details on whether permission was sought or granted for any protest or organised activity. It also asked whether university rules governing student conduct or official functions were invoked in relation to the campaign.

At the same time, the BCI clarified that participation in the representation or campaign would not automatically result in disqualification from enrolment. It stated that a distinction must be maintained between those who merely signed or supported a representation and those who organised or coordinated the campaign, or proposed or mobilised an actual boycott, obstruction or disruption.

The development has significant implications for students who are set to graduate from NALSAR in 2026, as enrolment with a state bar council is a mandatory step for anyone wishing to practice law in India. The BCI's directive effectively puts their professional plans on hold until the matter is resolved.

NALSAR University of Law, located in Hyderabad, is one of India's premier national law universities. The convocation ceremony, which was expected to feature Chief Justice Surya Kant, became the subject of controversy after reports emerged of a campaign by some students against his participation. The reasons behind the campaign have not been detailed in the BCI's directive.

The BCI's action underscores the regulatory body's authority over legal education and professional entry. It also raises questions about the balance between student protest and professional consequences, with the council's clarification indicating a nuanced approach that distinguishes between passive support and active organisation.

As the situation develops, the university's report to the BCI will likely determine the next course of action. The August 19 hearing will be crucial for the affected students, who await clarity on their enrolment status.