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 BCI has decided to close the proceedings against graduating students at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad who had objected to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant attending their convocation as chief guest.

Mishra said that there won't be any inquiry against the students, a departure from the BCI's earlier decision.

The decision follows representations and reactions of Senior Advocates, members of the bar, law students and public spirited citizens, the BCI chairman said

"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," he said.

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 issued by BCI on the evening of August 13, and a press release issued by NALSAR VC Srikrishna Deva Rao in response.

The first BCI circular barred the entire 2026 batch of NALSAR from being enrolled as advocates due to their opposition to have CJI as the chief guest for their convocation.

The second circular, passed within hours of the first, reversed the decision on halting enrolment but retained the decision for an inquiry into the persons instrumental in initiating, organising, or mobilising the campaign to protest the invitation of the CJI.

In this regard, the BCI also sought an inquiry report from the university.

After the second circular, NALSAR Vice Chancellor Srikrishna Deva Rao issued a press release stating that the university would first examine, under its governance regulations, whether such an inquiry is a constitutional exercise of its powers.

The BCI chairman has now stated that there will not be any inquiry and the issue would be considered as closed.