Supreme Court Intervention on BCI Circular
On August 14, a Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant condemned the Bar Council of India's now-withdrawn circular directing State Bar Councils to halt enrolment of NALSAR University of Law's 2026 graduates.
Key Court Observations
- CJI stated: "Who is the BCI to come between the students and me? The Bar Council of India has no business to order such inquiries against students."
- Students retain the right to protest.
- No coercive action against NALSAR students or administrators based on the August 13 circulars.
- BCI directed to file affidavit explaining issuance of the circulars.
- Court to examine if circulars stemmed from full Council resolution or Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra's initiative alone.
"Moral responsibility commands that Manan Kumar Mishra resigns. Cockroaches both inside and outside courts should ensure this happens."
ā Saurav Das, CJP Spokesperson
Background
NALSAR students opposed inviting CJI Surya Kant as convocation chief guest, citing prior remarks on protesters. BCI initially barred enrolment pending inquiry into the campaign, then withdrew hours later after emergency meeting. Inquiry into organisers continues per some reports.
CJP Position
CJP co-convenor Saurav Das and founder Abhijeet Dipke had warned of protests by law students and advocates if the order stood. Das questioned Mishra's long tenure (since 2012) and alleged repeated misuse of powers.
Direct Demands
- Immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra.
- Full accountability for circular issuance process.
- Protection of student dissent rights without collective penalisation.