Supreme Court: BCI lacks power over law students

The Supreme Court on Thursday, September 3, 2026, ruled that the Bar Council of India (BCI) lacks the statutory authority to discipline law students, clarifying that such disciplinary control rests exclusively with educational institutions. The ruling came as the court quashed communications issued by the BCI against the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, stemming from student objections to the proposed invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the convocation's chief guest. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, held that the Advocates Act of 1961, which established the BCI, does not grant the council or state bar councils any express or implied power to take disciplinary or punitive action against students pursuing legal education. The court stated that disciplinary authority over law students lies solely with their parent institution or an authority designated under its laws and bylaws. The controversy began when a segment of NALSAR students voiced objections to CJI Surya Kant's invitation to their convocation.