Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Outsiders, Faculty Accused of Instigating NALSAR Students Over CJI
At a law school in Hyderabad called NALSAR University of Law, students were getting ready for their graduation ceremony.
The school invited the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, to hand out the degrees.
Some students did not want that to happen.
They were upset because the judge's court had earlier refused to hear a case about police hurting student protesters, saying there was no time.
A group called the Bar Council of India, which helps lawyers get their licenses, first said the 2026 graduates could not become lawyers.
Later, the group changed its mind and took that back.
The university told the Bar Council that a few teachers and people from outside the school influenced the students.
Some students think the protest does not make sense and that people from outside the region are behind it.
Others are afraid to speak against the protest because they worry about consequences.
Everyone at the school is talking about what happened.
Students and the student bar council of NALSAR University of Law objected to Supreme Court CJI Surya Kant being invited as chief guest for their convocation.
The students cited the CJI-headed bench's refusal to entertain a petition on police brutality toward student protesters at Jantar Mantar, citing paucity of time.
The Bar Council of India issued a directive barring 2026 graduates from enrolment with state bar councils, which it later withdrew.
The university reportedly told the BCI that 'a few faculty members' and 'outsiders' led students to take their stance.
Some students anonymously said the demand lacks rationality and that those involved are largely from Delhi and NCR rather than south India.
- Who
- Students and the student bar council of NALSAR University of Law, university faculty, the Bar Council of India, and Supreme Court CJI Surya Kant.
- What
- A dispute over CJI Surya Kant being the convocation chief guest, leading to a BCI directive against 2026 graduates that was later withdrawn.
- When
- The article does not specify an exact date; the dispute concerns the upcoming convocation for 2026 graduates.
- Where
- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad; the dispute also references police action against student protesters at Jantar Mantar.
- Why
- Students objected because the CJI-headed bench refused to entertain a petition on police brutality toward student protesters, citing paucity of time.
Student protesters
University and critics
CJI as convocation chief guest
Student protesters
Students and the student bar council objected to CJI Surya Kant being chief guest because the CJI-headed bench refused to entertain a petition on police brutality toward student protesters, citing paucity of time.
University and critics
A faculty member said only a 'section of students' objected, and some students said the demand 'fails to show any rationality beyond creating a ruckus.'
Who instigated the protest
Student protesters
A faculty member said such activity is not new at NALSAR and that no one knows who sent the report to the BCI or what it contained.
University and critics
The university reportedly told the BCI that the involvement of 'a few faculty members' and 'outsiders' led students to take their stance.
BCI directive and response
Student protesters
Students continued to demand an apology from the BCI chief after the directive was withdrawn.
University and critics
The BCI withdrew its directive after the university submitted its report to the council.
- University
- NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
- Chief guest
- Supreme Court CJI Surya Kant
- Student objection
- Refusal to receive degrees from the CJI
- Reason cited
- CJI-headed bench declined a petition on police brutality, citing paucity of time
- BCI directive
- Barred 2026 graduates from state bar council enrolment; later withdrawn
- University report to BCI
- Claimed 'a few faculty members' and 'outsiders' influenced students
- Student demand
- Apology from the BCI chief
- Referenced protest site
- Jantar Mantar