Published Aug 09, 2026 | 6:43 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 09, 2026 | 6:43 PM
Official logo of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
Synopsis: Students of Hyderabad’s NALSAR University of Law have opposed the decision to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at their convocation, citing his remarks about the country’s youth and his response to police action against student protesters. In a letter to the university, the graduating students asked it to reconsider the invitation, a demand they said has also received support from junior batches.
Students of the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, have opposed the university’s decision to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at their convocation.
The students cited the CJI’s remarks in May comparing the country’s youth to cockroaches and his refusal to take up the issue of police brutality against students protesting during the 20 July Sansad Chalo march.
In a letter to the university administration dated 23 July, the students asked it to reconsider the invitation. The demand has also received support from students in the junior batches, according to the students.
NALSAR has for several years followed the practice of inviting the sitting CJI to address its convocation. The date of this year’s convocation has not yet been formally announced.
The university has not issued a statement on the graduating students’ request. NALSAR Registrar N Vasanthi declined South First’s request for comment. Vice-Chancellor Srikrishna Deva Rao was unavailable.
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NALSAR students have also expressed solidarity with protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the NEET-UG paper leaks.
On 17 July, the university’s Student Bar Council (SBC) issued a formal statement supporting educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike and students demanding accountability from the Centre.
The SBC also called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing Supreme Court precedent on ministerial and collective Cabinet responsibility.
The student body invoked Article 21’s guarantee of life and personal liberty, arguing that it obliged the government to engage with Wangchuk rather than remain silent.
On 20 July, several NALSAR students observed a one-meal fast in solidarity with Wangchuk. The action coincided with the Cockroach Janta Party’s call for the Sansad Chalo march.
On 24 July, a demonstration was held outside the university’s main gate, demanding the resignation of Pradhan and seeking compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide. Protesting students expressed disappointment with the Centre’s inadequate response to the wide array of issues raised by fellow students across the country.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
