NALSAR row: Can BCI freeze enrolment of an entire graduating batch?

On August 13, the Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, directed all State Bar Councils to withhold enrollment of NALSAR 2026 graduates until further notice. This order arose from an investigation into a student-led campaign protesting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's attendance at NALSAR's convocation.

Mishra requested a factual report detailing those responsible for the campaign, stating that law students who lack respect for the judiciary should not aspire to become advocates, teachers, or judges. The BCI later revised the order, allowing NALSAR 2026 graduates to enroll with any State Bar Council of their choice while the inquiry continues.

The legality of this blanket restriction is questionable, as the BCI lacks specific statutory authority to suspend the enrollment of an entire graduating class. Advocate N. Manoj Kumar argued that the BCI Chairman cannot act individually to halt enrollment, as enrollment is primarily the responsibility of the State Bar Councils under the Advocates Act.

Advocate Yeshwanth Shenoy echoed this sentiment, asserting that the BCI has no authority to direct NALSAR to investigate individual student conduct, as only enrolled advocates can face disciplinary action.