Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairperson of the Bar Council of India (BCI), has issued a sincere apology to law students following a significant controversy surrounding Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant's participation in NALSAR University's 2026 convocation ceremony. The apology comes after the BCI briefly halted the enrollment process for NALSAR's 2026 graduating batch, a decision that sparked widespread criticism.
Controversy Over CJI's Convocation Presence
The dispute originated from objections raised by NALSAR students regarding CJI Surya Kant's attendance as the chief guest at their upcoming convocation. In response to these student concerns, the BCI, on August 13, ordered a halt to the enrollment of the university's 2026 batch. This drastic measure was met with immediate backlash from across the legal fraternity, prompting the BCI to withdraw the order within hours of its announcement.
Following the BCI's handling of the situation, NALSAR's Student Bar Council demanded a public apology from Chairperson Mishra. Students, graduating individuals, and alumni from NLSIU Bengaluru also issued a joint statement, echoing the demand for an apology and expressing their opposition to the presence of both Mishra and CJI Surya Kant at their own convocation.
Mishra's Apology and Call for Student Autonomy
In an Independence Day letter, Mishra acknowledged the concerns raised by students. While not explicitly naming NALSAR or directly detailing the dispute, he expressed regret, stating, "If anything connected with the present controversy, any of my words, or letter, has hurt the feelings of our law students, I sincerely regret and apologise for the same." He emphasized that expressing regret is not a matter of ego but an acknowledgment of students' feelings.
Mishra highlighted the informed nature of students at National Law Universities (NLUs) and other leading legal education centers, describing them as crucial observers within the legal system. He affirmed that students should feel free to question and protest peacefully, while also being open to reconsidering issues with new facts. He stressed that "peaceful disagreement, questioning and protest are important features of a constitutional democracy. Students must always remain free to express their views."
Convocation Attendance: A Student's Choice
Addressing the specific issue of convocation attendance, Mishra asserted that the decision must rest with the students themselves. He characterized a convocation as a uniquely significant event for students and their families, one that cannot be easily replicated.
"No student should be compelled to attend, and no student should feel compelled to abstain. My only appeal is that the decision should be taken independently, after considering the matter in its entirety and according to their own judgment."
He underscored the importance of the enduring relationship between the judiciary, the Bar, universities, and law students, suggesting that any temporary differences should be resolved through dialogue, clarification, and mutual respect.
Seeking Reconciliation and Independent Thought
Mishra urged all parties—students and institutions alike—to approach the issue with fairness and to resist external influences that might politicize the matter. He reiterated his belief in students' capacity to examine facts, consider clarifications, and make independent decisions. He also called upon institutions to uphold and respect this independence of thought among their students.
Concluding his message, Mishra emphasized that future legal professionals, including lawyers, judges, teachers, and scholars, would need to cultivate the ability to listen to diverse viewpoints and make decisions grounded in reason, fairness, and constitutional principles.