NLSIU Students, Alumni Oppose CJI Surya Kant, BCI Chairman Attending Convocation

Students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) have voiced strong opposition to the planned attendance of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at their upcoming convocation. The group issued a statement on August 15 condemning the BCI's now-withdrawn order that sought to halt the enrollment of students from NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad.

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We are aware that the BCI has closed all proceedings against NALSAR. However, the fact that such unconstitutional and illegal "proceedings" can be initiated by a statutory body against students and faculty members of a public university in the first place does not alter the nature or the larger impact of such actions or dilute the responsibility of the Chairman and the BCI.

NLSIU students and alumni declared their solidarity with NALSAR students, praising their "exemplary courage and moral conviction in speaking truth to power." They acknowledged that the BCI had closed proceedings against NALSAR but argued that the initiation of such "unconstitutional and illegal" actions by a statutory body against students and faculty members of a public university remains a serious issue. The statement, signed by 165 graduating students, 409 current students, and 128 alumni, highlighted that the BCI's actions were acknowledged as "arbitrary" and "illegal" even after their recall.

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In this context, inviting persons in high office to confer degrees to students towards whom they have publicly expressed their disdain and condescension is offensive, humiliating, and a mockery of students and their struggles.

The group emphasized that a university convocation is a significant milestone for students, celebrating years of hard work. They argued that inviting high-ranking officials who have publicly shown "disdain and condescension" towards students is offensive and undermines the students' achievements and struggles. They demanded an unconditional apology from the BCI to the NALSAR student and faculty community for attempting to infringe upon their fundamental right to free speech and expression.

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We stand in unconditional solidarity with our fellow students at NALSAR who have shown exemplary courage and moral conviction in speaking truth to power.

Furthermore, the NLSIU community expressed strong disapproval of Manan Kumar Mishra attending their convocation without taking responsibility for his conduct. They also voiced similar objections to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant attending, citing the same reasons. The students believe the BCI's actions create a "chilling effect" on free speech nationwide, signaling that dissent can lead to severe personal and professional consequences.

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It's a dialogue between students and me.