'I sincerely apologise': BCI chief to law students after row over NALSAR diktat

NEW DELHI: Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has apologized to law students over his council's recent decision to temporarily suspend the enrollment of National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law's 2026 graduating class as advocates. The controversy erupted following the council's decision, which was later withdrawn after widespread backlash on social media.

In a letter issued on Independence Day, Mishra expressed regret for any words or communications related to the dispute that might have offended law students. He emphasized that expressing regret is not about prestige or ego, but rather acknowledging the feelings and concerns of students. The controversy began when approximately 450 NALSAR graduates urged the university to reconsider inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at its convocation, citing his alleged refusal to hear pleas of police brutality against students who had marched to Parliament.

The Supreme Court later condemned the BCI's decision, stating that students have the right to peacefully protest and questioning the council's authority to take action in such matters.