BCI Chief Manan Kumar Mishra Apologises to Law Students After NALSAR Enrolment Row
BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra apologised to law students after criticism over the council's decision to halt enrolment of NALSAR's 2026 graduating batch. In an Independence Day letter, Mishra expressed regret if his words or communication hurt students, while defending peaceful protest and urging an objective, fair and reconciliatory approach to the dispute.
Bar Council of India (BCI) chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra has apologised to law students following criticism over the council's action against students of NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad. In an Independence Day letter, Mishra expressed regret if his words or any communication issued by him in connection with the controversy had hurt the sentiments of law students.
The apology comes days after the BCI ordered a halt to the enrolment of NALSAR's graduating batch of 2026 following a dispute over students' objection to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant attending their convocation. The decision was withdrawn within hours after criticism from the legal fraternity and students. CJI Surya Kant Questions Bar Council of India Over Action Against NALSAR Students.
Manan Mishra Apologises To Law Students
Mishra's letter did not name NALSAR or directly refer to the specific dispute. "If anything connected with the present controversy, any of my words, or letter, has hurt the feelings of our law students, I sincerely regret and apologise for the same," Mishra said in the letter.
"There should be no hesitation in saying so. An expression of regret is not a matter of prestige or ego. It is simply an acknowledgment that the feelings and concerns of our students matter," he added. The statement followed demands from students and alumni for Mishra to publicly apologise over the BCI's handling of the episode.
NALSAR Enrolment Order Triggered Controversy
The controversy began on August 13 when the BCI ordered a halt to enrolment for NALSAR's graduating batch of 2026 after a section of students objected to the participation of CJI Surya Kant as the chief guest at their convocation.
The BCI subsequently reversed the decision within hours amid criticism from members of the legal fraternity. The episode also triggered questions over the manner in which the decision was taken and criticism that the BCI had acted beyond its powers. Mishra's earlier communication also came under scrutiny after he described the campaign surrounding the issue as "nasty politics".
NALSAR, NLSIU Students Criticised BCI Action
NALSAR's Student Bar Council later demanded a public apology from Mishra over the BCI's handling of the controversy. Students at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, also issued a joint statement, with graduating students, current students and alumni making a similar demand.
NLSIU students also rejected the presence of the BCI chairperson and the CJI at their own convocation. The developments put the BCI's relationship with students at National Law Universities under renewed scrutiny.
Mishra Praises NLU Students
In his Independence Day letter, Mishra described students at National Law Universities (NLUs) as among the country's most informed and discerning young citizens. He said their conduct and choices are noticed across the legal education system and can influence how students at other Centres of Legal Education (CLEs) view similar issues.
"The young men and women studying there today will tomorrow become Advocates, Senior Advocates, Teachers, Scholars and Judges. Some among them may one day occupy the highest positions in the legal and judicial system. That is why their decisions carry significance beyond a single event or controversy," Mishra said.
‘Peaceful Protest’ Part Of Constitutional Democracy
Mishra also acknowledged the role of protest and disagreement in a democratic system. He affirmed that peaceful protest and disagreement are part of a constitutional democracy, while saying that issues should be reconsidered objectively when further facts or clarifications emerge.
He called for every issue to be "reconsidered objectively and with an open mind." On the question of convocation attendance, Mishra said students should be free to make their own decisions.
"No student should be compelled to attend, and no student should feel compelled to abstain. My only appeal is that the decision should be taken independently, after considering the matter in its entirety and according to their own judgment," he said.
Appeal For Reconciliation
Mishra said a convocation is a special occasion that cannot easily be recreated and that the decision to participate ultimately remains with students.
He also said the issue should not be allowed to "acquire a political or extraneous colour through outside influence."
The BCI chairperson called for the dispute to be resolved with fairness and a spirit of reconciliation, signalling an attempt to bring the controversy to a close after days of criticism over the council's initial action.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 09:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
