NEW DELHI,
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed State Bar Councils to stop enrolling NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 law graduates as advocates until further orders. The decision follows a dispute over students opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s invitation as chief guest at the university’s convocation.
The BCI said its order applies to students who obtained their law degrees from NALSAR in 2026. The move could affect their entry into the legal profession, as enrolment with a State Bar Council is required for graduates who want to practise law in India. The decision has raised concerns among students about the impact of the dispute on their professional plans.
The legal body has sought a report from NALSAR Vice-Chancellor on the developments surrounding the convocation. BCI Executive Committee member Advocate VP Sharma said the decision was approved by the committee and was taken to ensure discipline among students. The council is examining whether any misconduct or indiscipline occurred during the controversy.
Sharma clarified that the suspension is not necessarily permanent. He said enrolment could proceed if the inquiry finds that no indiscipline took place. The BCI has also indicated that anyone wishing to challenge the decision is free to do so. The matter will now depend on the university’s report and the council’s subsequent consideration of the findings.
The controversy began after a section of NALSAR students opposed the invitation extended to CJI Surya Kant for the convocation. With the BCI seeking facts before taking further steps, enrolment of the 2026 graduates will depend on the outcome of the inquiry and the council’s decision.