The Bar Council of India reversed an interim order on August 13, 2026, that had barred 2026 graduates of NALSAR University of Law from state enrolment. The initial freeze followed student protests against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s proposed convocation attendance, prompting the regulator to demand an inquiry report by August 19.
A major regulatory conflict involving student political dissent, judicial respect, and professional licensing unfolded on August 13, 2026, centered on the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) in Hyderabad. The regulatory turbulence began when the apex body for the legal profession issued and then swiftly modified a directive concerning the entire graduating batch of 2026.
The NALSAR Student Boycott Campaign and the Catalyst at Jantar Mantar
The controversy emerged from a campaign organized by roughly 450 out of NALSAR’s 1,400 students against inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the university’s upcoming convocation as reported by telanganatoday.com. Students objected to oral remarks made by the CJI during a Supreme Court hearing regarding alleged police excesses during the July 20 “Chalo Sansad” demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court of India stated via the Indian Express that they should please not waste our time and added that they did not have time to watch those videos.
Those remarks galvanized a section of the student body to submit representations opposing the CJI’s presence at their convocation.
Bar Council of India Enrolment Freeze and Directives to NALSAR Vice-Chancellor
Reacting to the opposition campaign, Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra issued an urgent directive instructing state bar councils to pause admissions for the entire 2026 graduating class.
In a communication sent to NALSAR Vice-Chancellor Prof. Srikrishna Deva Rao, the BCI demanded a comprehensive factual report within three days to identify individuals principally instrumental in initiating, organizing, or mobilizing the campaign, circulating materials, and managing online groups. The regulator also asked the university to determine whether any faculty members or outsiders were involved.
Accusations of Faculty Interference and Professional Standards Debate
The BCI leadership asserted that professional discipline and respect for the judiciary must guide those entering the bar. Citing reliable sources, Mishra alleged that a handful of teachers and outsiders were instrumental in instigating innocent students through groupism and internal campus politics.
Manan Kumar Mishra, BCI Chairman, stated via The Hans India that a student of law, having no regard or respect for the highest judicial office of the country, is not expected to be a responsible or sensible advocate, teacher, or judge.
While acknowledging that legal education involves critical reasoning and debate, the regulator distinguished reasoned critique from organized disruption directed at a constitutional functionary according to the Indian Express.
Senior Advocate Criticisms Over Authority and Due Process
The BCI U-Turn and Enrolment Restoration for the 2026 Batch
Hours after implementing the freeze, the BCI reversed course following internal discussions among its members as reported by telanganatoday.com. The council concluded that the vast majority of the graduating class was innocent of orchestrating disrespect.
The modified order allows all eligible 2026 NALSAR graduates to proceed with state bar council enrolments of their choice without impediment. The BCI indicated that it will await the vice-chancellor’s final inquiry report, with a conclusive review scheduled for August 19, 2026.
Related reading
