NLSIU cancels convocation for 2026 graduating batch The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru has canceled its annual convocation for the 2026 graduating batch, citing "unavoidable circumstances." The decision follows widespread opposition from students and alumni against the participation of Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra and Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant in the event. Initially scheduled for September 12, the convocation was abruptly canceled on August 27, with students to be conferred their degrees in absentia after approvals from the university’s governing bodies. The notice, issued by the university administration, stated that despite "collective best efforts," the event could not proceed due to unforeseen challenges. Students were informed they could opt to receive their certificates via courier or collect them on campus, with further details to be shared through a new form. The cancellation came amid heightened tensions over the presence of Mishra and CJI Surya Kant, who had faced significant backlash from the NLSIU community. The opposition to their attendance stemmed from a broader controversy involving the BCI and NALSAR University of Law. Over 700 students and alumni from NLSIU had previously objected to Mishra and CJI Surya Kant attending the university’s convocation, demanding an unconditional apology from the BCI to NALSAR’s student and faculty community. This came after the BCI had temporarily halted and later restored enrollment for NALSAR’s graduating batch following protests over the proposed presence of CJI Surya Kant at their convocation.#surya_kant #bar_council_of_india #manan_kumar_mishra #nlsiu #nalsar_university_of_law
NLSIU cancels 2026 convocation after students oppose CJI's presence The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), located in Bengaluru, has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation, originally scheduled for September 12, 2026. The decision was made due to “unavoidable circumstances” and will result in graduating students receiving their degrees in absentia. The university announced the cancellation on August 27, following weeks of student and alumni protests against the participation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at the event. The cancellation followed a notice issued by NLSIU’s Academic Administration team on August 3, which had initially proposed September 12 as the convocation date. However, the university’s latest communication stated that the ceremony would no longer proceed. Graduating students will now be conferred their degrees without attending the event in person. The university clarified that degrees will be formally awarded through due process, with students able to collect certificates on campus or have them delivered by courier. A new form and process for selecting the preferred method of receiving certificates will be shared with students. The decision to cancel the convocation comes amid significant opposition from NLSIU students and alumni, who have consistently criticized the presence of CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at the ceremony. CJI Surya Kant serves as the Chancellor of NLSIU and traditionally confers degrees at the annual convocation. The controversy escalated after more than 700 NLSIU students and alumni expressed their disapproval of Mishra and Kant’s attendance, demanding an unconditional apology from the BCI to the student and faculty community of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.#bengaluru #surya_kant #manan_kumar_mishra #nlsiu #bcisurveillance
Bombay Bar Association Calls Manan Kumar Mishra's Apology Belated, Says He Must Resign As BCI Chairman The Bombay Bar Association condemned the actions of the Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, on August 13, 2026, when he issued a directive against NALSAR University students. The association criticized Mishra's subsequent apology on August 15 as insufficient and called for his resignation from the BCI chairmanship. In a letter dated August 18, the association argued that Mishra's apology did not reflect genuine remorse, as he continued to hold his position despite the misconduct. A meeting of the Bombay Bar Association's Standing Committee was held on August 17 and 18, 2026, to review the events from August 13 to 15. The committee described the BCI chairman's August 13 letter as an "abuse" of his authority, noting that it was issued without allowing the NALSAR students an opportunity to respond. The letter, which directed state bar councils to withhold enrollment from the 2026 NALSAR graduates, caused significant harm to their professional prospects. The association emphasized that the BCI chairman's actions were "uncalled for" and violated the principles of due process. While the BCI later reversed its decision and closed proceedings against the students, the Bombay Bar Association praised this move as a "step in the right direction" but stressed that it did not absolve Mishra of responsibility. The association highlighted the importance of the BCI chairman's role as a regulatory body and condemned Mishra's conduct as unbecoming of his position. The students' bar council at NALSAR University also criticized the BCI chairman's letter, accusing him of perpetuating an "anti-national" narrative that dismissed dissent as the work of external actors.#supreme_court #bar_council_of_india #nalsar_university #bombay_bar_association #manan_kumar_mishra
