The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed that no student graduating from the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, in 2026 be enrolled as an advocate by any State Bar Council until further orders, following a controversy over the invitation to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at the university’s convocation.
In an order, the BCI said, “Till further orders, no student of NALSAR University of Law, who has obtained the Law Degree in the year 2026, shall be enrolled by any State Bar Council as an Advocate.”
The decision comes after a section of NALSAR students reportedly opposed CJI Surya Kant attending the convocation as chief guest. The development has raised concerns over the professional prospects of students graduating from the premier law institution this year, with their enrolment as advocates and, consequently, joining the legal profession potentially being affected.
BCI SEEKS REPORT FROM NALSAR VC
The BCI has also sought a report from the Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR on the developments surrounding the convocation. Advocate VP Sharma, a member of the BCI Executive Committee, said the decision was taken with the approval of the committee and was necessary to ensure discipline among students.
He said the BCI has, at this stage, only called for a report from the university and that the enrolment process could proceed if the inquiry finds that there was no indiscipline. “If there was no indiscipline, then we will go ahead with the enrolment,” Sharma said, adding that anyone seeking to challenge the BCI’s decision was free to do so.
NALSAR STUDENTS OPPOSE CJI’S INVITATION
The controversy erupted after NALSAR invited CJI Surya Kant to attend its convocation as the chief guest. A large number of students subsequently opposed his participation, leading to a dispute at one of the country’s premier law institutions.
The BCI’s decision has now put the enrolment of the 2026 batch on hold pending further orders and the report from the university.
The development could also have implications for students who have already secured placements, as enrolment with a State Bar Council is a key requirement for graduates seeking to practise as advocates. However, the BCI has indicated that the restriction could be lifted if its enquiry finds no instance of indiscipline.
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Published On:
Aug 13, 2026 19:31 IST
