New Delhi, August 14: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has rescinded its earlier order that prevented graduates from the 2026 batch of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) in Hyderabad from registering as lawyers. Just hours before this announcement, the BCI had instructed all state bar councils not to register any student graduating from NALSAR in 2026 until further notice.
This directive came in response to protests from students regarding the invitation extended to Chief Justice Suryakant to attend the university’s upcoming convocation ceremony.
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar stated in a statement on Thursday evening that after thorough discussions, the Bar Council of India has amended its previous directives concerning NALSAR. All graduates from the 2026 batch will now be able to register with their preferred state bar councils. An investigation will continue, and further actions will be based on the findings. No student will suffer any loss without fault.
Previously, Mishra had indicated that any student receiving a law degree from NALSAR in 2026 should not be registered as a lawyer until further instructions from the council.
This decision followed reports that a group of graduating students had objected to the proposed invitation of Justice Suryakant as the chief guest at the university’s convocation ceremony.
The students’ campaign began after alleged comments made by the Chief Justice during a Supreme Court hearing related to police action against protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The BCI has now requested detailed information from the university to identify those who were primarily involved in initiating, organizing, or coordinating this campaign.
In a statement, the BCI emphasized that no law student who shows disrespect or lack of regard for the highest judicial office of the country can be expected to become a responsible or sensible lawyer, teacher, or judge.
The statement further noted that such individuals will always remain a burden on the profession. Such conduct adversely affects a person’s suitability to enter or associate with the legal profession and contradicts the dignity, discipline, and ethical standards of the legal field. Our experience indicates that such individuals are often involved in strikes and boycotts, tarnishing the image of the legal profession.
The council has given NALSAR three days to submit a certified report. The BCI has asked NALSAR to identify the students and others who played a significant role in the campaign against the proposed participation of the Chief Justice of India.
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