Over 400 NALSAR alumni sign open letter condemning BCI for circulars calling for action against students

Over 400 alumni of National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law, Hyderabad have signed an open letter condemning the circulars issued by Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra seeking disciplinary action against students and faculty.

As per the letter, the BCI communications showed a disregard for free speech and the mental health of students. The letter argues that the regulator had no jurisdiction to intervene in a matter internal to the university.

"The letters reflect a lack of empathy for students and their mental health, disregard for the fundamental right to free speech, and a tendency to deal with matters of young students and educated faculty in an arbitrary and high-handed manner. It is apparent that the BCI had no jurisdiction to issue these letters. What is more disturbing is that the language of the first letter reflects a predisposition to dominate students and faculty with coercive threats that restrict speech on university campuses, putting tremendous pressure on the mental health of students," the open letter states.