'Between me and students': CJI Surya Kant slams Bar Council move against protesters
CJI Surya Kant expressed displeasure at the BCI's circular banning the enrolment of 2026-batch graduates of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, as advocates.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant strongly criticized the Bar Council of India (BCI) for interfering in the NALSAR University of Law enrolment controversy. Kant emphasized that the Council had no right to meddle in students' rights to protest, and assured that the court would not permit students from engaging in lawful and peaceful protests.
He instructed the BCI and all state bar councils to refrain from taking any punitive or criminal action against students and faculty from national law universities or any other university involved in the controversy.
The CJI's remarks followed the Bar Council's decision to suspend enrolment for the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR, Hyderabad, after initially freezing it, and later withdrawing the freeze while retaining an inquiry into those allegedly involved in the students' campaign against Chief Justice Kant as the chief guest for their convocation.
In response to a petition seeking directions to restrain the BCI from issuing such directives, the Supreme Court took notice of the matter and directed the BCI to file its counter-affidavit within two weeks.
Kant, speaking to the bench, clarified that the BCI had no business to interfere in matters inside a university and that its action violated students' fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. He shared his own experience as a student, reiterating the importance of allowing dissent on university campuses. Kant also highlighted that students have the right to protest, as long as they do so lawfully and peacefully, and that they have the right to raise their voice, even if they are wrong.
During the proceedings, the court asked BCI whether it had actually convened a meeting to issue the resolution regarding the NALSAR students. BCI's counsel argued that no meeting had taken place and questioned how the decision could have been made. The court also instructed BCI to ensure that the students' enrolment is not held up and to inform the students to enroll as soon as possible and obtain SCBA membership.
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