BCI chairman apologises to law students amid enrolment ban controversy
Without specifying the controversy or NALSAR, Mr. Mishra apologises for his words or letters that may have hurt students; says they should be free to form and express their own opinions; seeks dialogue, mutual respect
On August 15, 2026, the chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), Manan Kumar Mishra, issued a three-page letter apologising to law students for any hurt caused by his words or communications. The controversy arose after the BCI attempted to prevent NALSAR law students from enrolling with State Bar Councils, leading to a backlash that forced the BCI to recant.
Mishra, a senior advocate and BJP MP, expressed regret for any of his statements or directives that may have upset students. He emphasised that law students should be allowed to independently assess facts and reach their own conclusions. Mishra also clarified that students must remain free to express their views, and that protests are a vital part of democracy.
However, he stressed that no student should be forced to attend convocation ceremonies. The controversy began when NALSAR students objected to the Chief Justice of India being the chief guest at NALSAR's convocation due to his comments about student protests. The BCI had initially sought to penalise students for their "campaign" against the CJI, but later apologised for their actions.
Mishra urged that differences between the judiciary, the Bar, universities, and law students should not harm their long-term relationship. He appealed for the issue to be addressed with fairness and reconciliation, stating that students are mature enough to examine facts and make independent decisions.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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