Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Bengaluru Law School Restores 2026 Convocation After Cancellation
The National Law School of India University in Bengaluru had cancelled its graduation ceremony for 2026 students.
It originally planned to hold the event on September 12.
The university has now decided to hold it on October 17.
More than 700 students and former students had objected to some proposed guests.
They were especially concerned about Chief Justice Surya Kant attending.
Their concern came from remarks he made during a hearing about alleged police violence against protesters.
Students had also criticized actions taken by the Bar Council of India against students at another law university.
The university has not said whether Surya Kant will attend the new ceremony.
The National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, will hold its 2026 convocation on October 17.
The university had cancelled the ceremony planned for September 12, citing “unavoidable circumstances.”
More than 700 students and alumni had opposed the attendance of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra.
Students objected to Surya Kant’s remarks during a hearing concerning alleged police excesses against Delhi protesters.
The university has not said whether Surya Kant will attend the rescheduled ceremony.
- Who
- The National Law School of India University, its 2026 graduating batch, students and alumni, Chief Justice Surya Kant, and Bar Council of India Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra.
- What
- The university reversed its cancellation of the 2026 convocation and rescheduled it for October 17.
- When
- The ceremony was originally scheduled for September 12 and is now planned for October 17; the reversal was approved on Wednesday and reported on Thursday.
- Where
- The National Law School of India University in Bengaluru.
- Why
- The original cancellation was attributed to “unavoidable circumstances” and followed opposition from students and alumni to the proposed participation of senior legal officials.
Student and Alumni Concerns
University and Regulatory Position
Participation of senior legal officials
Student and Alumni Concerns
Students and alumni opposed the participation of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra, citing concerns about Surya Kant’s remarks during a hearing on alleged police excesses against Delhi protesters.
University and Regulatory Position
The university had planned the ceremony with the participation of the senior legal officials, although it has not stated whether Surya Kant will attend the rescheduled event.
Convocation cancellation and rescheduling
Student and Alumni Concerns
Students and alumni had protested the proposed participation of Surya Kant and criticized related action by the Bar Council of India against students at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research.
University and Regulatory Position
The university initially cited “unavoidable circumstances” when cancelling the September 12 ceremony, then approved an October 17 ceremony through its executive council and general council.
Bar Council of India proceedings
Student and Alumni Concerns
Students at the National Law School of India University condemned the Bar Council of India’s directive affecting the enrolment of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research’s graduating batch and demanded an unconditional apology.
University and Regulatory Position
The Bar Council of India withdrew the directive, later closed proceedings against the students, and said it was satisfied that the 2026 batch had no role in any “disturbance or movement.”
- University
- National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
- Graduating batch
- 2026 batch
- New convocation date
- October 17
- Original date
- September 12
- Student and alumni opposition
- More than 700 students and alumni objected to the proposed attendance of Surya Kant and Manan Kumar Mishra.
- Approval
- The October proposal was approved by the executive council and general council.
- Attendance status
- The university has not said whether Surya Kant was invited to the October ceremony.