The controversy began after a section of NALSAR students objected to the proposed participation of CJI Kant at the convocation. A representation was submitted on July 23 by 70 members of the outgoing LLB batch, with students from subsequent batches later expressing solidarity with it.
The students’ objections followed remarks made by CJI Kant in the Supreme Court while hearing a plea concerning alleged police excesses during student protests in Delhi. They cited concerns over the refusal of the bench led by the CJI to urgently entertain the plea and remarks made when a lawyer sought to present videographic material relating to the alleged police action.
Earlier on Thursday, the BCI had directed State Bar Councils not to enrol any NALSAR student who graduated in 2026 “till further orders”, pending a factual inquiry. It had sought details from the university about those who allegedly initiated, organised, coordinated or mobilised the campaign, including information on representations, signatories, meetings, social media groups, media interactions and any calls for boycott or disruption.
The council subsequently reconsidered the blanket restriction and stressed that individual students should not be penalised without establishing their involvement.
“No student shall be made to suffer without any fault on his part,” the amended order said.
The reversal means that the 2026 NALSAR graduates can proceed with enrolment while the inquiry into the controversy continues.
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