Student Power: Bar Council Of India Backs Down

HYDERABAD – The Bar Council of India (BCI) has backed off its decision to block the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduates, clearing the way for them to enroll with State Bar Councils of their choice.

The reversal came a day after the BCI directed all State Bar Councils to stop enrolling the Hyderabad-based university’s graduating batch following a controversy over a student campaign opposing the proposed invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as chief guest at the university’s convocation.

The BCI’s original directive drew sharp criticism in the Supreme Court on August 14. Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar mentioned a challenge to the BCI’s letters, arguing that the Bar Council had no business intervening in university affairs.

The Chief Justice agreed, calling the directive “absolutely uncalled for.” He said the matter involved a dialogue between students and him and questioned the BCI’s decision to intervene. Even if the students were wrong, he said, they had a right to protest.

Under its modified order, the BCI said all 2026 NALSAR graduates could seek enrolment with any State Bar Council. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra while back tracking and facing the wrath of students who are now a powerful opinion bloc in India, said the Council had concluded after deliberations that the vast majority of the graduating students were innocent and had not participated in the alleged “move of disrespect.”

Mishra confirmed the reversal in a post on X, saying the BCI’s factual inquiry would continue and that further action would be based on its findings.

The climbdown allows NALSAR graduates who had completed their courses to proceed with enrolment as advocates while the inquiry continues. (IANS inputs)