Campus Times | Lucknow 

The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday, August 13, 2026, withdrew its earlier direction preventing State Bar Councils from enrolling NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, graduates of the 2026 batch.

The initial order had triggered concerns among graduating law students after the BCI directed State Bar Councils to keep their enrolment on hold pending an inquiry into a student campaign opposing the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at NALSARs convocation.

In its revised communication, the BCI clarified that all students graduating from NALSAR in 2026 would be free to enrol with the State Bar Council of their choice. The Council said its members had unanimously taken the view that the vast majority of the graduates were innocent and should not face consequences for an action in which they had not participated.

The BCI also stressed that no student should be penalised without establishing individual responsibility.

Inquiry into student campaign to continue

While withdrawing the enrolment restriction, the BCI said the matter itself remained under examination. It will await a report from the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor before determining whether any further action is warranted.

The controversy arose after a group of NALSAR students objected to the proposed participation of CJI Surya Kant at the universitys convocation. The students reportedly referred to remarks made by the Chief Justice during proceedings concerning allegations of police excesses against NEET protesters in Delhi.

Following the campaign, the BCI had sought a detailed and authenticated report from the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor. It also asked the university to identify students who were allegedly involved in initiating, organising or coordinating the campaign, besides seeking details of the representation submitted to the institution and its signatories.

BCI flags role of teachers and outsiders

In its latest communication, the BCI said it had received information suggesting that a small group of teachers and outsiders may have played a role in influencing or instigating students. The Council said these allegations would also be considered after receiving the Vice-Chancellors report.

The BCI had initially taken a strong position on the issue, arguing that conduct by law students must be assessed against the standards of discipline and professional responsibility expected in the legal profession.

At the same time, its earlier communication distinguished between legitimate expression of views and activities involving alleged intimidation, coercion, personal attacks, obstruction or organised boycott against a constitutional functionary or an institutional programme.

BCI had fixed August 19 for further decision

The Councils initial communication had indicated that the matter would be considered on August 19 after the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor submitted the inquiry report.

The BCI had also raised concerns over alleged groupism and internal politics among sections of the universitys academic staff, claiming that some teachers may have influenced students in the matter. It said the regulator could not remain a passive observer if such allegations were established.

With the enrolment freeze now withdrawn, the immediate impact on the 2026 graduating batch has been removed. However, the BCIs scrutiny of the events at NALSAR remains open, with the Vice-Chancellors inquiry report expected to determine the Councils next course of action.