NLSIU students and alumni oppose CJI and BCI Chairman attending convocation

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru has faced opposition from its students and alumni against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), attending the university's convocation. The NLSIU contingent, comprising 165 graduating students, 409 current students, and 128 alumni, have penned an open letter condemning the actions of BCI Chairman Mishra.

They express their solidarity with NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, which had requested the reconsideration of CJI Kant as the chief guest. The NLSIU students argue that a university convocation is a significant milestone in a student's academic journey, symbolizing years of hard work and perseverance. They strongly disapprove of CJI Kant attending NLSIU's convocation under the same circumstances, citing the BCI chairman's derogatory remarks and condescension towards students.

The letter urges the BCI to issue an unconditional apology for allegedly infringing upon students' fundamental right to free speech and expression. The NLSIU students and alumni further accuse BCI Chairman Mishra of abusing his position by labeling protesting students as 'anti-social and anti-national forces,' and by making partisan political comments on foreign adversaries.