Protest, enrolment ‘freeze’, CJI’s rap, then apology: Blow-by-blow of NALSAR row
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has been embroiled in a controversy recently over its order to freeze the enrolment of the entire 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. While the a move that was later rolled back amid backlash, the row…
While the a move that was later rolled back amid backlash, the row continues to simmer. This was preceded by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant rapping the BCI for its intervention in the NALSAR University of Law enrolment controversy.
The National Academy for Legal Studies and Research University, or NALSAR, is a public law school in Hyderabad, Telangana. NALSAR is also among the various national law Universities across India.
What Happened
A group of NALSAR students opposed the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at the university’s convocation. They wrote to the vice-chancellor, registrar, and professors voicing their objection.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has been embroiled in a controversy recently over its order to freeze the enrolment of the entire 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.
BCI's Mishra directed all State Bar Councils not to enroll any 2026 law graduate from NALSAR University as advocates until further orders.
An expression of regret is not a matter of prestige or ego.
Key Details
The first representation was submitted on July 23 by 70 members of the outgoing LLB batch. Students from several later batches subsequently expressed their support for the representation, HT reported earlier.
There should be no hesitation in saying so.
Addressing a letter to his ‘dear young friends’, Mishra said the developments of the past few days had caused “concern and anguish” among a section of the student community and acknowledged that whenever students.
After CJI's strong remarks, Bar Council's Mishra apologised to the law students on Saturday and said he sincerely regretted if anything connected with the controversy, including his words or letter, had hurt their feelings.
Why It Matters
In an email sent to the university officials, students raised their objection as they cited the refusal of the Supreme Court bench, led by CJI Kant, to hear a plea regarding the alleged police brutality against students during the July 20 ‘Chalo.
If students have a cause or a reason to protest, they have a right to protest.
The BCI is unnecessarily taking action in this matter.
What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
Continued reporting by Hindustan Times as more details emerge
