Indian Law University Students Urge Reconsideration of CJI's Convocation Invite

Students at the NALSAR University of Law have formally objected to the invitation extended to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to be the chief guest at their upcoming convocation. In an email to university officials, the students urged a reconsideration, citing the CJI-led Supreme Court bench's refusal on July 22 to hear a plea regarding alleged police brutality during the 'Chalo Sansad' march in New Delhi. The march, protesting the education minister's actions, was met with a forceful response from security personnel, including tear gas and lathi charges.

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We are not interested in videos; we don't have time to watch.

During the July 22 hearing, as advocates attempted to present footage of the alleged police violence, Chief Justice Kant reportedly stated the court was not interested and lacked the time to watch the videos. This reported stance has caused discomfort among the graduating students.

In their email, the students emphasized that as law students, their concern is tied to the university's values, including a commitment to constitutional rights, access to justice, and reasoned engagement with grievances. They believe that having a dignitary whose recent public conduct appears dismissive of serious allegations of police brutality conflicts with these principles.

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As students of law, our concern is narrower and more specific to us as a graduating batch. A convocation is meant to be a moment where the University's own values, including a commitment to constitutional rights, access to justice, and reasoned engagement with grievances, are visibly reflected in the choices it makes.

The students raised the matter well in advance, hoping the university administration will reconsider its choice. As of Sunday, the university had not yet responded to the students' concerns.

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We feel that receiving our degrees from a dignitary whose recent public conduct, as reported, appears dismissive of serious allegations of police brutality against protesting citizens sits uncomfortably with what we have been taught to value during our time at NALSAR.