After Supreme Court rebuke, now Bar Council berated by NALSAR students

440 NALSAR alumni from Hyderabad have penned a harsh open letter to Bar Council of India chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra, criticizing his handling of students, faculty, and university autonomy issues. The letter asserts the BCI’s actions demonstrate a lack of empathy for students and their mental health, disregard for free speech, and an arbitrary approach to dealing with young students and educated faculty. The alumni argue that the Bar Council has no jurisdiction to issue such directives.

The controversy began when around 450 out of NALSAR’s 1,400 students opposed inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to the convocation ceremony. The Bar Council subsequently issued a directive barring 2026 NALSAR graduates from enrolling with state bar councils, but later withdrew the order after facing criticism. The alumni’s letter further contended that the matter is internal to NALSAR, and it is inappropriate for a regulatory body to call for a witch hunt against students and faculty.

They emphasized that discussions on freedom of speech on campus should remain internal to the university.

Chief Justice Surya Kant rebuked the Bar Council for interfering with the students’ rights to protest and dialogue. He stated that students have written a letter to him, signifying a dialogue between the students and the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice emphasized that the BCI’s actions were unnecessary and without any basis.