Hours after ban, BCI reverses decision on NALSAR 2026 batch over CJI invite row

The original order was issued after a campaign by the students against the participation of CJI Surya Kant in the convocation ceremony.

NEW DELHI: The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday modified its controversial circular that had effectively barred graduates of Hyderabad's NALSAR University of Law's 2026 batch from enrolling as advocates.In a fresh communication, released hours after the original decision, the BCI clarified that 2026 graduates of the university would be "entitled to seek enrolment with any state bar council of their choice"."After thorough discussion, the members are of the unanimous view that as per the latest report, vast majority of the students of NALSAR (2026 pass out students) are innocent and they were not inclined to take part in the move of disrespect," the BCI said, according to a letter shared by Bar and Bench.The latest development came hours after the legal regulator triggered widespread criticism by directing all state bar councils not to enrol any student graduating from NALSAR in 2026 until further orders.The earlier circular was issued after a section of graduating students at the premier law university objected to a reported proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at the institution's convocation.

"No student who has obtained a law degree from NALSAR University of Law in the year 2026 shall be enrolled as an advocate until further directions are issued by the Bar Council of India," the order had said.The regulator had also sought a detailed report from the university within three days, asking it to identify students who had allegedly initiated, organised or mobilised the campaign against the proposed participation of the Chief Justice.In a strongly-worded statement, BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra had said students who did not show respect for the country's highest judicial office could not be expected to become responsible members of the legal profession."A student of law, having no regard or respect for the highest judicial office of the country, is not expected to be a responsible or sensible advocate, teacher or a judge," the statement said.

"Such persons shall always be a liability on the profession. Such conduct reflects adversely upon the person's suitability for entry into or association with the legal profession and is inconsistent with the dignity, discipline and ethical standards of the legal profession," it added.