NLSIU Cancels Convocation Amid CJI Invite Controversy

The National Law School of India University in Bengaluru has cancelled its 34th annual convocation ceremony, originally scheduled for September 12, following widespread objections from students and alumni to the proposed presence of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. The university announced the decision in a notice issued on August 27, citing "unavoidable circumstances." The cancellation stems from a controversy that escalated after students at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad objected to the Chief Justice's participation as a chief guest at their own convocation. In response, the Bar Council of India had initially directed state bar councils to pause the enrolment of NALSAR's entire 2026 graduating batch. The BCI later withdrew that order, concluding that most students had not intended disrespect, and its chairman apologised to law students. At NLSIU, over 700 individuals, including 165 graduating students, 409 current students, and 128 alumni, signed a joint statement opposing the invitations.