NALSAR Convocation row: No inquiry, proceedings closed says BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra

Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has stated that the Council has decided to close proceedings against graduating students at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.

Mishra has said that the decision follows representations and reactions of Senior Advocates, members of the bar, law students, and public spirited citizens.

"After considering the representations and reactions of Senior Advocates, learned members of the Bar, law students and public spirited citizens, and being satisfied that the 2026 batch of NALSAR, Hyderabad, had no role in any disturbance or movement, the Bar Council of India has decided to close the proceedings altogether. No further action is required from NALSAR."

Wishing the students best for their careers, he said,

"A word of wisdom: we take immense pride in our legal institutions, and the day you enrol, you become vanguards. Voice your opinions freely, but with respect and institutional decorum.

The highest judicial office is our collective pride. Dissent is welcome in a democracy; public ridicule of it is often counterproductive.”

The statement follows two circulars by BCI on the evening on August 13, and a press release issued by NALSAR VC Srikrishna Deva Rao in response.

The first BCI circular barred the entire 2026 batch from being enrolled as advocates. The second circular, passed within hours of the first, reversed the decision but retained the demand for an inquiry report on the persons instrumental in initiating, organising, or mobilising the campaign to protest the invitation of the CJI to the convocation.

Shortly before Mishra's statement, NALSAR VC had said that the university would first examine, under its governance regulations, whether such an inquiry is a constitutional exercise of its powers.