On 13 August 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra stated that, after considering representations and reactions from senior advocates, members of the Bar, law students and public-spirited citizens, BCI stated that the 2026 batch of NALSAR, Hyderabad, had no role in any disturbance or movement, thus withdraws enrolment ban.
Disallowing enrolment of NALSAR 2026 graduates:
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Earlier on 13 August 2026, the BCI issued a communication disallowing the enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates with State Bar Councils and sought an inquiry report from the Vice-Chancellor regarding recent developments at the University.
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Following deliberations, the BCI subsequently reconsidered that decision and issued a fresh communication modifying its earlier directions concerning NALSAR University of Law and the enrolment of its 2026 pass-out students.
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The Council unanimously concluded, based on the latest reports before it, that the vast majority of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates appeared to be innocent and were not inclined to participate in the alleged acts of disrespect referred to in the earlier communication.
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Accordingly, the BCI withdrew the earlier restriction on enrolment and clarified that all 2026 pass-out students of NALSAR would be entitled to seek enrolment with the State Bar Council of their choice.
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NALSAR University stated that while the BCI’s subsequent communication rescinded the direction disallowing enrolment of its 2026 graduating batch with State Bar Councils, it continued to require the Vice-Chancellor to submit an inquiry report regarding recent developments at the University.
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The University further stated that the matter would be placed before its Executive Council, the highest decision-making body, and that after consultation with the Executive Council, the process and details of the inquiry would be communicated to the BCI.
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The Council noted that information received from reliable sources suggested that only a handful of teachers and outsiders may have been instrumental in instigating the students.
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The BCI emphasised that no student should be made to suffer without any fault on their part, which weighed in favour of restoring enrolment rights to the graduating batch.
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The Council initially stated that it would await the Vice-Chancellor’s inquiry report before deciding upon any further course of action in the matter.
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However, in a subsequent statement issued later the same day, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra stated that the proceedings had been closed altogether after the Council was satisfied that the 2026 batch had no role in any disturbance or movement and that “no further action is required”.
The controversy originated in a representation submitted by NALSAR’s outgoing 2026 batch to the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, professors and administration, urging that Chief Justice of India Surya Kant not be invited to their convocation.
[BCI Modifies NALSAR’s ban, dated 13-8-2026]
[NALSAR Press Note, dated 13-8-2026]
