Published Aug 14, 2026 | 8:58 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 14, 2026 | 8:58 PM
The former students reminded BCI chief Manan Kumar Mishra (inset) that the council "has no role in regulating matters of free speech on campuses."
Synopsis: Over 400 former students of NALSAR wrote an open letter to BCI chief Manan Kumar Mishra, condemning his action and reminding him of the legal body’s role. The alums took offence at the BCI’s language — which they termed as loose statements — that attempted to vilify the students and faculty members of the prestigious institution.
An alumni group of Hyderabad’s National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law has condemned the Bar Council of India’s “vilification” of students for opposing the invitation extended to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to the 2026 batch’s graduation ceremony.
In an open letter by 441 former students, the alumni on Friday, 14 August, reminded BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra that the council “has no role in regulating matters of free speech on university campuses”.
The letter said matters relating to freedom of speech on campuses are internal to the university and outside the BCI’s jurisdiction. The BCI’s role in legal education, the alumni said, “is limited to promoting legal education and to laying down standards of such education”.
Mishra, also a Rajya Sabha member representing the BJP, had on Thursday, 13 August, restricted all state bar councils from enrolling students of the 2026 batch as lawyers.
“Till further orders, no student of NALSAR University of Law, who has obtained the Law Degree in the year 2026, shall be enrolled by any State Bar Council as an Advocate,” the direction, signed by Mishra, said.
Related: What made BCI chief withdraw his controversial NALSAR circular?
In a toned-down second letter, the BCI lifted the blanket ban. Following widespread backlash, including from the legal fraternity, Mishra later withdrew the orders.
The students had opposed Chief Justice Kant’s presence, citing his “cockroach” and “parasite” remarks, which later sparked a youth movement that humbled the NDA government at the Centre.
NALSAR alumni also took umbrage at the BCI’s “distasteful” language. “It vilifies students and faculty by alleging that they indulge in ‘groupism’, ‘nasty politics’, and ‘instigating and misguiding students. Such loose statements are unbecoming of a statutory body entrusted with obligations towards the legal profession and legal education [sic],” the letter read.
The alumni urged the BCI to appreciate that universities are autonomous bodies, and reiterated that “free speech is a fundamental part” of the students’ journey of inquiry and learning.
The signatories expressed hope that the BCI’s attitude would change and its future actions would restore the faith of students, faculty and citizens in the BCI.
