BCI Chairman apologises to students after NALSAR row

Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra issued a public apology on Saturday, August 15, for remarks that sparked a controversy with the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University in Hyderabad, following intense criticism including from the Supreme Court. The apology came after a turbulent few days that began when the BCI attempted to bar the university's 2026 graduating batch from enrollment over their protest campaign against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

The controversy originated on August 13, when the BCI issued a directive to all State Bar Councils to halt the enrollment of NALSAR's 2026 graduates. This action was taken after a section of the student body had expressed opposition to the planned invitation of the Chief Justice of India as the chief guest for their convocation. Students had submitted a representation to the university administration seeking reconsideration of the invitation, citing the CJI's recent remarks regarding police brutality during student protests in Delhi. The BCI's order also came as the student campaign had drawn over 450 signatures.

The BCI's initial order was swiftly withdrawn later on August 13 amid...