BCI Reverses NALSAR Ban, Says Majority of 2026 Graduates Innocent in CJI Convocation Row

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday reversed its decision to restrict the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law's 2026 graduating batch, stating that the "vast majority" of students were innocent in the controversy surrounding the proposed invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to the university's convocation.

In a fresh communication issued hours after its earlier order, the legal regulator clarified that students graduating from NALSAR in 2026 would be entitled to seek enrolment with any state bar council of their choice.

The BCI said its decision followed a detailed discussion among its members and a review of the latest information available about the controversy.

"After thorough discussion, the members are of the unanimous view that as per the latest report, vast majority of the students of NALSAR (2026 pass out students) are innocent and they were not inclined to take part in the move of disrespect," the regulator said.

The BCI further claimed that, according to information received from some sources, a small number of teachers and outsiders had allegedly played a role in instigating students. It stressed that students should not face professional consequences for actions in which they had no involvement.

"No student shall be made to suffer without any fault on his part," the BCI said.

The clarification came after the regulator's earlier circular sparked widespread criticism. The original order had directed all state bar councils not to enrol any student graduating from NALSAR in 2026 until further orders.

The action followed objections raised by a section of graduating students over a reported proposal to invite CJI Surya Kant as the chief guest at the university's convocation.

In its earlier order, the BCI had also directed NALSAR to submit a detailed report within three days, including information about students allegedly involved in initiating, organising or mobilising the campaign against the proposed participation of the Chief Justice.

BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra had strongly criticised the reported student campaign, arguing that disrespect towards the country's highest judicial office raised questions about a person's suitability for the legal profession.

He had said that a law student who showed no regard for the highest judicial office could not be expected to become a responsible advocate, teacher or judge.

The BCI's latest decision, however, marks a significant reversal, ensuring that the 2026 NALSAR graduating batch will not be collectively prevented from entering the legal profession because of the controversy.

The development is expected to provide relief to hundreds of graduating law students whose professional enrolment had been put on hold by the earlier directive.