‘Sincerely regret and apologise’: BCI chairman amid NALSAR convocation row

A day after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant strongly criticized the Bar Council of India (BCI) for interfering in the NALSAR University of Law enrollment issue, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra issued an apology to law students on Saturday. In a heartfelt letter addressed to "my dear young friends," Mishra sincerely regretted if any aspect of the controversy, including his words or letter, had caused offense.

He acknowledged that the recent events had caused concern and anguish among some students and emphasized that their feelings deserved to be heard with patience, sensitivity, and respect. Mishra affirmed that if any of his words or the letter had hurt the students' feelings, he deeply regretted and apologized. The apology came after the CJI stated that the BCI had no business interfering in the NALSAR controversy and clarified that students had a right to peaceful protests.

The bench, including justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, also restrained the BCI and other state bar councils from taking punitive or criminal action against students and faculty of national law universities. Mishra's letter further emphasized that the NALSAR graduating class of 2026 should have the autonomy to make decisions about attending the convocation.

He stressed that the relationship between the judiciary, bar councils, universities, and law students should be built on dialogue, clarification, and mutual respect, rather than temporary controversies.