Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on August 14 questioned the Bar Council of India’s authority to intervene after students of NALSAR University of Law objected to his proposed role as chief guest at the college convocation, and the Supreme Court issued notice to the BCI seeking a response within two weeks. A bench led by CJI Surya Kant, with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, heard a petition by NALSAR students challenging two BCI circulars and directed the council to respond while ordering that no action be taken against any student in the meantime.
The dispute arose after the BCI issued a circular directing State Bar Councils not to enrol any NALSAR graduate of the 2026 batch until further orders and sought a report from the university vice‑chancellor about a campaign concerning the CJI’s proposed appearance, including names of those allegedly involved in organising or mobilising it. The enrolment directive was withdrawn within hours, with the BCI saying it had concluded the overwhelming majority of the batch were not involved in any attempt to disrespect the CJI, while reserving the right to act on the vice‑chancellor’s report.
In court, the CJI described the students’ communication to him as a private dialogue between the students and the court and questioned the BCI’s move. “BCI has nothing to do with this. We are with you. Students have written a letter to me. It’s a dialogue between students and me. Who are they to unnecessarily issue a circular?” he said. The bench noted the circular had been withdrawn and asked the BCI to file its reply within two weeks.
CJI Surya Kant emphasised that lawful expression by students must be protected even if opinions are mistaken. “When I was in college, I was even actively involved in students’ activities. Sometimes, even if they are saying the wrong thing, if they are lawfully raising their voice, it must be allowed,” he said, adding that institutions should meet criticism with an open mind: “We should be large‑hearted. Even if somebody makes a statement which is wrong to us…let it be wrong.”
Addressing students’ careers, the CJI urged them to complete enrolment and join the Supreme Court Bar, even suggesting in a lighter vein that they could be empanelled for legal aid work if their careers were threatened. The development followed a late‑night post on X by BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra saying proceedings against the 2026 NALSAR batch had been dropped after representations from senior advocates, members of the Bar, law students and other citizens.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/bci-has-nothing-to-do-with-this-cji-surya-kant-questions-action-against-nalsar-students-1437834-2026-08-14?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-08-14 15:06:00
