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Supreme Court critiques BCI's circular on NALSAR students
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Supreme Court critiques BCI's circular on NALSAR students

August 14, 2026

The Supreme Court condemned the Bar Council of India's order preventing NALSAR students from enrollment, describing it as unwarranted. This came in response to their protests against CJI Surya Kant's presence at their convocation.

Supreme Court Condemns BCI Action Against NALSAR Students

The Supreme Court of India has criticized the now-withdrawn circular issued by the Bar Council of India (BCI), which barred law students from NALSAR Hyderabad's 2026 batch from enrollment as advocates. This unprecedented decision was connected to the students' campaign against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

Chief Justice Kant, while addressing the issue, remarked,

"Naturally, this is absolutely uncalled for. It’s a dialogue between students and me. Who are they to raise an issue?"
He emphasized the importance of dialogue and noted that the BCI's actions were excessive.

The BCI's withdraw of the circular indicates a recognition of the students' rights to express dissent, a fundamental tenet within legal education. This development highlights the delicate balance between institutional authority and individual rights within legal frameworks.

For legal practitioners, this ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the freedom of expression within legal education, reinforcing the notion that students' voices should be respected without fear of retribution.

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