Supreme Court says - Action on law students is the university's right

The Supreme Court has quashed the Bar Council of India (BCI) order related to the dispute involving students of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. The court clarified that the authority to regulate the behavior of law students or take disciplinary action against them lies solely with the respective university or institution.

Background and dispute of the case

About 450 students of NALSAR protested against making Chief Justice of India (CJI) Suryakant the chief guest at the convocation ceremony. This displeasure was related to a comment by the CJI in July concerning police action. The students wrote to the university administration demanding the withdrawal of the invitation. Subsequently, on August 13, BCI directed all state bar councils to suspend the enrollment of NALSAR graduates of the 2026 batch as lawyers until further orders.

Supreme Court hearing and order

During the hearing on August 14, CJI Suryakant expressed displeasure over BCI’s interference in the matter and said the students’ protest was based on constitutional values. The court also stated that disciplinary matters concerning law students fall under the jurisdiction of their respective university or institution.

Response and withdrawal of BCI order

After the controversy escalated, BCI withdrew its order within a few hours and allowed all students to enroll in the state bar council of their choice. BCI stated that law students are expected to show respect for the country’s highest judicial office and also accused some teachers of inciting the students.

Views of experts and those affected

A senior lawyer said the matter has reached the petition stage. Advocate Parameshwar said that the BCI chairman’s directives have been withdrawn, but there should be an investigation into under which legal provision these orders were issued. A student said, "We respect the position of the CJI but have been taught about the constitution and constitutional values and do not want to support anything that goes against those values."

Until students become lawyers, the bar council cannot take action against them under its rules

Supreme Court

Most NALSAR students are innocent

Bar Council of India