Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday (Aug 14) questioned the Bar Council of India's intervention in the controversy involving students of the NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, saying the matter was essentially a dialogue between him and the students. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed strong displeasure over the Bar Council of India's intervention in the NALSAR University of Law controversy, questioning the decision to block enrolment of the institution's 2026 graduates as advocates.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nalsar-graduates-spared-bci-withdraws-controversial-bar-enrolment-order-hours-after-blocking-2026-graduates-over-cji-cockroach-row-1786672064793">NALSAR graduates spared? BCI withdraws controversial bar enrolment order hours after blocking 2026 graduates over CJI 'cockroach' row</a>A Supreme Court bench led by the CJI has also sought a response from the BCI on the circulars issued in connection with the row and directed that no punitive action be taken against NALSAR students or faculty while the matter is being considered.This comes after the Bar Council of India initially directed State Bar Councils not to enrol graduates from NALSAR's 2026 batch as advocates. The action followed a campaign by students opposing the proposed participation of Justice Kant as chief guest at the university's convocation over his remarks referring to certain unemployed youth as 'cockroaches'.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smuggling-disguised-as-trade-us-claims-india-part-of-40-nation-shadow-network-helping-china-evade-tariffs-1786679286732">'Smuggling disguised as trade': US claims India part of 40-nation 'shadow network' helping China evade tariffs</a><h2>'Who are they to interfere?'</h2>Reacting to the BCI's intervention, Justice Kant questioned why the legal regulator had stepped into what he viewed as an interaction between him and the students. "It's a dialogue between me and students; who are they (BCI) to interfere," said the CJI.The CJI said that if students want to protest lawfully, the BCI has no business interfering. The Court has agreed to hear a plea on the matter brought by Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar. “BCI has nothing do with this. We are with you. Students have written a letter to me. It's a dialogue between students and me. Who are they to unnecessarily issue a circular?"&nbsp; "When I was in college, I was actively involved in student activities. Sometimes, even if they are saying the wrong thing, if they are lawfully raising their voice, it must be allowed”, the CJI said.&nbsp;

The NALSAR controversy has now reached the CJI himself, with Justice Surya Kant questioning why the Bar Council of India intervened in the dispute involving students and his proposed appearance at the university's convocation.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday (Aug 14) questioned the Bar Council of India's intervention in the controversy involving students of the NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, saying the matter was essentially a dialogue between him and the students. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed strong displeasure over the Bar Council of India's intervention in the NALSAR University of Law controversy, questioning the decision to block enrolment of the institution's 2026 graduates as advocates. Also read | NALSAR graduates spared? BCI withdraws controversial bar enrolment order hours after blocking 2026 graduates over CJI 'cockroach' row A Supreme Court bench led by the CJI has also sought a response from the BCI on the circulars issued in connection with the row and directed that no punitive action be taken against NALSAR students or faculty while the matter is being considered. This comes after the Bar Council of India initially directed State Bar Councils not to enrol graduates from NALSAR's 2026 batch as advocates. The action followed a campaign by students opposing the proposed participation of Justice Kant as chief guest at the university's convocation over his remarks referring to certain unemployed youth as 'cockroaches'. Also read | 'Smuggling disguised as trade': US claims India part of 40-nation 'shadow network' helping China evade tariffs 'Who are they to interfere?' Reacting to the BCI's intervention, Justice Kant questioned why the legal regulator had stepped into what he viewed as an interaction between him and the students. "It's a dialogue between me and students; who are they (BCI) to interfere," said the CJI. The CJI said that if students want to protest lawfully, the BCI has no business interfering. The Court has agreed to hear a plea on the matter brought by Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar. “BCI has nothing do with this. We are with you. Students have written a letter to me. It's a dialogue between students and me. Who are they to unnecessarily issue a circular?" "When I was in college, I was actively involved in student activities. Sometimes, even if they are saying the wrong thing, if they are lawfully raising their voice, it must be allowed”, the CJI said.

The NALSAR controversy has now reached the CJI himself, with Justice Surya Kant questioning why the Bar Council of India intervened in the dispute involving students and his proposed appearance at the university's convocation.

'Who are BCI to interfere?': CJI Surya Kant breaks silence on NALSAR convocation row; SC demands response on why punitive action was ordered

The Bar Council of India on Thursday (Aug 13) temporarily withdrew its order directing State Bar Councils to stop the enrollment of 2026 graduates of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. Notably, the controversial directive was issued just hours earlier.The initial order, issued by BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, linked the move to an ongoing controversy at NALSAR over a student campaign opposing the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at the university's convocation. The students had protested the CJI's presence at the convocation ceremony over his remarks referring to unemployed youth as cockroaches.The BCI later reversed the decision, saying graduates from the 2026 batch would be free to enrol with the State Bar Council of their choice.<h2>Why did the BCI change its decision?</h2>In its revised communication, the BCI said its members had unanimously concluded that the "vast majority" of NALSAR's 2026 graduates were innocent and had not intended to participate in what the Council described as a "move of disrespect".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/strongly-reconsider-nalsar-students-oppose-reported-plan-to-invite-cji-surya-kant-at-convocation-ceremony-1786290339877">'Strongly reconsider': NALSAR students oppose reported plan to invite CJI Surya Kant at convocation ceremony</a>The Council said it had also received information from "some reliable sources" suggesting that a small number of teachers and outsiders may have influenced or "instigated" students. "No student shall be made to suffer without any fault on his part," the BCI said.The Council will now wait for an inquiry report from the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor before deciding whether any further action is required.<h2>What triggered the dispute?</h2>The controversy began after NALSAR students submitted a representation opposing Justice Kant's proposed appearance as chief guest at their convocation.The students cited his remarks during proceedings concerning alleged police excesses against NEET protesters in New Delhi.The BCI's original communication sought a detailed report from the university within three days. It also asked NALSAR to identify students who were principally involved in initiating, organising or coordinating the campaign, along with details of the representation and its signatories.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/family-killing-fantasies-17-year-old-indian-origin-teen-charged-with-murdering-mother-14-year-old-brother-in-us-shocking-chatgpt-angle-uncovered-1786600791700">'Family-killing fantasies': Indian origin teen charged with murdering mother, 14-year-old brother in US; Shocking ChatGPT angle uncovered</a><h2>BCI had raised concerns over students' conduct</h2>The initial order took a strong position on the campaign, saying the conduct of law students needed to be examined against the standards expected of people entering the legal profession.The BCI drew a distinction between legitimate expression and what it described as organised intimidation, coercion, personal vilification, disruption, obstruction or calls for a boycott against a constitutional functionary or institutional programme.It further argued that students showing disregard for the highest judicial office could become a liability to the legal profession.The Council also alleged that there was "groupism and dirty politics" among some academic staff and claimed some teachers had played an active role in misleading or influencing students. The BCI said it would take a final decision on August 19 after receiving the Vice-Chancellor's inquiry report.

The Bar Council of India has reversed a controversial order that briefly blocked NALSAR Hyderabad's 2026 graduates from enrolling with State Bar Councils. The U-turn came within hours of uproar over the directive. Here's what happened.

The Bar Council of India on Thursday (Aug 13) temporarily withdrew its order directing State Bar Councils to stop the enrollment of 2026 graduates of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. Notably, the controversial directive was issued just hours earlier. The initial order, issued by BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, linked the move to an ongoing controversy at NALSAR over a student campaign opposing the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at the university's convocation. The students had protested the CJI's presence at the convocation ceremony over his remarks referring to unemployed youth as cockroaches. The BCI later reversed the decision, saying graduates from the 2026 batch would be free to enrol with the State Bar Council of their choice. Why did the BCI change its decision? In its revised communication, the BCI said its members had unanimously concluded that the "vast majority" of NALSAR's 2026 graduates were innocent and had not intended to participate in what the Council described as a "move of disrespect". Also read | 'Strongly reconsider': NALSAR students oppose reported plan to invite CJI Surya Kant at convocation ceremony The Council said it had also received information from "some reliable sources" suggesting that a small number of teachers and outsiders may have influenced or "instigated" students. "No student shall be made to suffer without any fault on his part," the BCI said. The Council will now wait for an inquiry report from the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor before deciding whether any further action is required. What triggered the dispute? The controversy began after NALSAR students submitted a representation opposing Justice Kant's proposed appearance as chief guest at their convocation. The students cited his remarks during proceedings concerning alleged police excesses against NEET protesters in New Delhi. The BCI's original communication sought a detailed report from the university within three days. It also asked NALSAR to identify students who were principally involved in initiating, organising or coordinating the campaign, along with details of the representation and its signatories. Also read | 'Family-killing fantasies': Indian origin teen charged with murdering mother, 14-year-old brother in US; Shocking ChatGPT angle uncovered BCI had raised concerns over students' conduct The initial order took a strong position on the campaign, saying the conduct of law students needed to be examined against the standards expected of people entering the legal profession. The BCI drew a distinction between legitimate expression and what it described as organised intimidation, coercion, personal vilification, disruption, obstruction or calls for a boycott against a constitutional functionary or institutional programme. It further argued that students showing disregard for the highest judicial office could become a liability to the legal profession. The Council also alleged that there was "groupism and dirty politics" among some academic staff and claimed some teachers had played an active role in misleading or influencing students. The BCI said it would take a final decision on August 19 after receiving the Vice-Chancellor's inquiry report.

The Bar Council of India has reversed a controversial order that briefly blocked NALSAR Hyderabad's 2026 graduates from enrolling with State Bar Councils. The U-turn came within hours of uproar over the directive. Here's what happened.

NALSAR graduates spared? BCI withdraws controversial bar enrolment order hours after blocking 2026 graduates over CJI 'cockroach' row

A group of graduating students of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, has urged the university administration to reconsider its reported proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the upcoming convocation. In a representation addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and professors, the students said the convocation should reflect NALSAR's commitment to ‘constitutional rights, access to justice, and reasoned engagement with grievances’.&nbsp;The students' objection stems from the Supreme Court's reported refusal to urgently list a plea concerning alleged police action against protesters during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ demonstration at Jantar Mantar on July 20. The demonstration was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with participants raising issues including the conduct of the NEET examination and the functioning of the National Testing Agency.&nbsp;According to the representation, reports stated that when the matter was mentioned for an urgent hearing on July 22, the CJI told counsel, "Don't waste our time, and don't waste your time". The students further referred to reports that when counsel offered to show video evidence of alleged police excesses, the CJI responded, "We are not interested in videos. We don't have time to watch".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-from-bihar-killed-after-being-hit-by-j-k-deputy-cm-s-convoy-in-jammu-1786286979710">Man from Bihar killed after being hit by J&amp;K Deputy CM’s convoy in Jammu</a>&nbsp;The representation also said counsel was interrupted while attempting to explain the issues behind the protest, with the reported remark, “Thank you very much.” The students noted that a separate petition in the form of a letter had already been addressed to the CJI, seeking suo motu intervention by the Supreme Court into the alleged police action.&nbsp;The petition reportedly cited injuries to more than 170 protesters, including women and children, and referred to safeguards laid down in DK Basu vs State of West Bengal. "For us as a graduating batch," the students said, receiving degrees from a dignitary whose recent public conduct, "as reported, appears dismissive of serious allegations of police brutality against protesting citizens, sits uncomfortably with what we have been taught to value during our time at NALSAR".&nbsp;The students have asked the university to "strongly reconsider" the reported choice of chief guest and consult the graduating batch before any invitation is formally extended. They also sought an opportunity to discuss the issue with the university administration and requested a response, preferably by Monday.

NALSAR students oppose reported plans to invite CJI Surya Kant as convocation chief guest, citing concerns over the Supreme Court's handling of a protest plea

A group of graduating students of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, has urged the university administration to reconsider its reported proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the upcoming convocation. In a representation addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and professors, the students said the convocation should reflect NALSAR's commitment to ‘constitutional rights, access to justice, and reasoned engagement with grievances’. The students' objection stems from the Supreme Court's reported refusal to urgently list a plea concerning alleged police action against protesters during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ demonstration at Jantar Mantar on July 20. The demonstration was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with participants raising issues including the conduct of the NEET examination and the functioning of the National Testing Agency. According to the representation, reports stated that when the matter was mentioned for an urgent hearing on July 22, the CJI told counsel, "Don't waste our time, and don't waste your time". The students further referred to reports that when counsel offered to show video evidence of alleged police excesses, the CJI responded, "We are not interested in videos. We don't have time to watch". Also Read: Man from Bihar killed after being hit by J&K Deputy CM’s convoy in Jammu The representation also said counsel was interrupted while attempting to explain the issues behind the protest, with the reported remark, “Thank you very much.” The students noted that a separate petition in the form of a letter had already been addressed to the CJI, seeking suo motu intervention by the Supreme Court into the alleged police action. The petition reportedly cited injuries to more than 170 protesters, including women and children, and referred to safeguards laid down in DK Basu vs State of West Bengal. "For us as a graduating batch," the students said, receiving degrees from a dignitary whose recent public conduct, "as reported, appears dismissive of serious allegations of police brutality against protesting citizens, sits uncomfortably with what we have been taught to value during our time at NALSAR". The students have asked the university to "strongly reconsider" the reported choice of chief guest and consult the graduating batch before any invitation is formally extended. They also sought an opportunity to discuss the issue with the university administration and requested a response, preferably by Monday.

NALSAR students urge the university to reconsider reported plans to invite CJI Surya Kant as convocation chief guest over concerns about judicial conduct

'Strongly reconsider': NALSAR students oppose reported plan to invite CJI Surya Kant at convocation ceremony

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'Who are BCI to interfere?': CJI Surya Kant breaks silence on NALSAR convocation row; SC demands response on why punitive action was ordered

BCI withdraws controversial order blocking NALSAR graduates from bar enrolment

CJI Kant as NALSAR convocation chief guest? Students urge univ to reconsider