‘Between me and students’: CJI Surya Kant Expresses Concern Over BCI Action Against NALSAR Students

August 14, 2026

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant expressed displeasure over the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) decision to bar the admission of students from the 2026 batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.

The Supreme Court on Friday stated that students have the right to express their views and protest. CJI Surya Kant questioned the BCI’s interference, saying, “This is a dialogue between me and the students. Who are they (BCI) to interfere?”

The BCI took the decision after the NALSAR controversy

The matter began when reports emerged that some NALSAR students were campaigning against CJI Surya Kant’s participation in the university’s convocation.

Following this, the BCI directed all state bar councils not to enroll any student from the 2026 batch of NALSAR as an advocate until further orders.

The BCI also asked the university to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter and identify the students who organized or participated in the campaign.

The BCI cited respect for the judiciary

The Bar Council of India had stated that the alleged disrespect shown to the highest judicial office in the country was inconsistent with the values ​​expected of future lawyers.

However, the Supreme Court’s comments made it clear that the decision to impact the professional future of an entire batch due to student protests raised serious questions.