BCI Closes Proceedings Against NALSAR 2026 Batch, Says Students Had "No Role" in Disturbance

Hyderabad/New Delhi : The Bar Council of India has closed proceedings altogether against the 2026 passed-out batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra announced on social media, marking the third and final development in a controversy that unfolded over a single day on 13th August, 2026.

The episode began with a letter bearing reference No. BCI:D:5449/2026, in which the Bar Council directed that no State Bar Council enrol any 2026-passed-out NALSAR student as an advocate till further orders, citing an organised campaign at the University relating to the proposed participation of Hon'ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, at its Convocation. That letter had directed the Vice-Chancellor to furnish, within three days, an authenticated report identifying persons instrumental in organising or mobilising the campaign, and had alleged, citing unnamed sources, that groupism among academic staff had misled and instigated students.

Hours later, the Bar Council issued a second letter, bearing reference No. BCI:D:5450/2026, modifying its own directive. That letter recorded that the Council's Members were unanimously of the view that the vast majority of NALSAR's 2026 batch were innocent and not inclined to take part in the alleged move of disrespect, and held that all students would be entitled to enrol with State Bar Councils of their choice, while still requiring the Vice-Chancellor to submit an inquiry report on the persons involved.

In a post on social media, Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra announced that, after considering the representations and reactions of Senior Advocates, learned members of the Bar, law students and public-spirited citizens, and being satisfied that the 2026 batch had no role in any disturbance or movement, the Bar Council had decided to close the proceedings altogether, stating that "the Bar Council of India has decided to close the proceedings altogether. No further action is required."

Mr. Mishra wished the students the very best for their careers, adding a word of wisdom that the day they enrol, they become vanguards of legal institutions in which the profession takes immense pride, and urged them to voice their opinions freely but with respect and institutional decorum. 

He stated that the highest judicial office is the collective pride of the profession, and that while dissent is welcome in a democracy, public ridicule of constitutional institutions is often counterproductive. He indicated that an official communication from the Bar Council of India would follow.