The Bar Council of India’s (BCI) decision to initially bar the enrolment of NALSAR University’s 2026 graduating students, followed by its subsequent withdrawal, has drawn criticism from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS).

The order was initially issued following student’s protest against the invitation to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant for the university’s convocation.

Terming BCI’s approach “deeply flawed,” ABVP argued that students should not be held accountable for alleged wrongdoing in which they had no role.

“Institutions like the BCI must refrain from issuing such arbitrary directions and ensure that every decision is based on facts, due process, a fair inquiry, and justice,” read a statement from ABVP .

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra on Thursday (August 13, 2026) acknowledged that the Council’s initial decision to restrict the enrolment was taken in haste. He added that following deliberations, the BCI modified its earlier directive and allowed all students from the 2026 batch to enrol with State Bar Councils of their choice.

Mr. Mishra said that most students were not involved in the alleged misconduct and should not be penalised for the actions of a few.

“The matter had been closed,” he said, adding that the BCI did not want the issue to lead to a confrontation between students and the judiciary.

Published - August 14, 2026 02:22 pm IST