NALSAR Students Get an Apology: BCI Chief Manan Kumar Mishra Breaks Silence on Enrolment Row

Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has apologised to law students following the controversy over the council’s decision to temporarily halt the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduating batch as advocates. The apology came after widespread criticism from students, alumni and members of the legal community.

Controversy Over NALSAR Convocation

The dispute began after a section of NALSAR students objected to the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant as the chief guest at the university’s convocation. The students’ objections were linked to remarks attributed to the CJI during proceedings concerning a petition related to alleged police action during protests in Delhi.

Following the students’ campaign, the BCI issued a directive asking State Bar Councils not to enrol NALSAR’s 2026 graduates as advocates until further directions. The move triggered strong criticism, with concerns being raised over students’ right to express disagreement and the extent of the BCI’s authority in the matter.

BCI Withdraws Enrolment Directive

The enrolment restriction was withdrawn shortly after it was issued. The BCI also dropped its proposed inquiry into the students and faculty associated with the campaign following the backlash.

The controversy intensified after CJI Surya Kant questioned the BCI’s intervention, saying that the issue involving him and NALSAR students was essentially a matter of dialogue between the students and himself.

Mishra Says Students Must Be Heard

In an Independence Day message addressed to law students, Mishra expressed regret if his words or communications had caused hurt or concern.

He stressed that an apology should not be viewed as a matter of prestige or ego, but as recognition that students’ feelings and concerns matter. Mishra also said that peaceful disagreement, questioning and protest are important elements of a constitutional democracy.

The BCI chairman further emphasised that law students are future members of the legal profession and that their dignity and independence of thought should be respected. He called for dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to constitutional values.

A Wider Debate on Student Rights

The NALSAR episode has sparked a broader discussion about student freedom, institutional autonomy and the role of regulatory bodies in responding to dissent. Students and alumni from other National Law Universities also expressed concern over the episode.

Mishra’s apology appears to be an attempt to ease tensions and reaffirm the importance of maintaining a respectful relationship between law students, universities, the Bar and the judiciary.