NALSAR alumni condemn BCI letters
‘Letters, issued on August 13, reflected a lack of empathy towards students, disregarding fundamental right to free speech and arbitrary and high-handed approach towards students and faculty’
The NALSAR University of Law alumni have strongly criticized letters issued by the Bar Council of India (BCI) President Manan Kumar Mishra on August 13. These letters targeted students who expressed their views on inviting the Chief Justice of India to the university's 2026 convocation. The alumni condemned the letters, stating they demonstrated a "lack of empathy" and disregarded the fundamental right to free speech.
The BCI's decision to bar NALSAR students from becoming advocates and demand an inquiry into the incident was later withdrawn due to public pressure. However, the alumni questioned the BCI's authority to interfere in an internal university matter and criticized the coercive threats involved. The BCI's role is limited to promoting legal education and setting standards for that education, and it cannot regulate free speech on university campuses or impose disciplinary measures without notice or hearing.
The alumni also objected to the language used in the letters, which accused participants of "groupism, dirty politics, and misguiding students." They emphasized that voicing dissent is not a criminal offense in India and that universities should be spaces for free inquiry and peaceful dissent. The alumni urged the BCI to reconsider its conduct and adopt dialogue and discussion instead of coercion and domination when dealing with universities and their students.
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