- Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has stated that the Council has decided to close proceedings against graduating students at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.
- Mishra said the decision follows representations and reactions of Senior Advocates, members of the bar, law students, and public spirited citizens.
- The BCI decided to close proceedings after being satisfied that the 2026 batch of NALSAR had no role in any disturbance or movement, and no further action is required from NALSAR.
- Mishra advised students to voice opinions freely but with respect and institutional decorum, and noted that dissent is welcome in a democracy but public ridicule of the highest judicial office is counterproductive.
- The statement follows two circulars by BCI on the evening of August 13, and a press release issued by NALSAR VC Srikrishna Deva Rao in response.
- The second circular, passed within hours of the first, retained the demand for an inquiry report on the persons instrumental in initiating, organising, or mobilising the protest.
- Shortly before Mishra's statement, NALSAR VC had said that the university would first examine, under its governance regulations, the situation regarding the protest.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has officially closed proceedings against students from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, following a protest during their convocation.
Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra announced that the decision was made after considering feedback from senior advocates, law students, and the public.
Mishra emphasized, "After considering the representations and reactions of Senior Advocates, learned members of the Bar, law students and public spirited citizens, and being satisfied that the 2026 batch of NALSAR, Hyderabad, had no role in any disturbance or movement, the Bar Council of India has decided to close the proceedings altogether. No further action is required from NALSAR."23
The proceedings were initiated following a protest that occurred during the convocation ceremony, which raised concerns among the legal community.
The BCI's decision reflects a broader commitment to uphold the integrity of legal institutions while allowing for dissent within democratic frameworks.
Mishra also noted, "A word of wisdom: we take immense pride in our legal institutions, and the day you enrol, you become vanguards. Voice your opinions freely, but with respect and institutional decorum."
This statement comes after two circulars issued by the BCI on August 13, which sought an inquiry into the protest's organization.
NALSAR's Vice-Chancellor, Srikrishna Deva Rao, indicated that the university would review the situation under its governance regulations before any further actions were taken.
“Mishra's decision follows two BCI circulars issued August 13 and a response from NALSAR VC Srikrishna Deva Rao. He advised students to voice opinions freely but with respect, noting dissent is welcome but public ridicule of the highest judicial office is counterproductive.”
