BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra Apologises to Law Students Amid NALSAR Row

In a dramatic turn of events, Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra issued a formal apology to law students across the nation on Independence Day, seeking to defuse tensions that erupted over the NALSAR University convocation controversy. The letter, addressed to "My Dear Young Friends," comes just days after the BCI abruptly halted enrolment for NALSAR's 2026 batch and then withdrew the order under fire from the legal fraternity, including Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

A Letter of Apology on Independence Day

Mishra’s three-page letter, released on August 15, 2026 , struck a conciliatory tone. "If anything connected with the present controversy, any of my words, or letter, has hurt the feelings of our law students, I sincerely regret and apologise for the same," he wrote. He emphasised that an expression of regret is "not a matter of prestige or ego," but an acknowledgment that the concerns of students matter.

The apology was widely seen as a response to the backlash that followed the BCI's August 13 circular directing all state bar councils not to enroll graduates from NALSAR’s 2026 batch. The directive was sparked by a section of NALSAR students opposing the invitation of Chief Justice Surya Kant as chief guest at their convocation, citing his remarks on police brutality during recent protests.

The Controversy: Convocation Boycott and BCI Overreach

The saga began when around 450 NALSAR students submitted representations urging the university to reconsider inviting the CJI, arguing that his reported statement that the Supreme Court had no time to watch videos of police action demonstrated insensitivity. In response, the BCI chief ordered an investigation and halted enrolment for the entire batch, a move that was swiftly condemned as an overreach.

Within hours, the BCI withdrew the order, but the damage was done. Student bodies from NALSAR and the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) , Bengaluru, demanded a public apology. The CJI himself pulled up the BCI, stating the matter was a "dialogue between students and me."

Mishra's Message: Respect for Student Voices

In his letter, Mishra lavished praise on law students, calling them "among the most informed and discerning young citizens of the country." He acknowledged that students at National Law Universities (NLUs) are the future leaders of the Bar, the Bench, and legal academia, and that their decisions "carry significance beyond a single event or controversy."

Significantly, Mishra affirmed the right to peaceful protest . " Peaceful disagreement, questioning and protest are important features of a constitutional democracy . Students must always remain free to express their views," he wrote. At the same time, he urged students to reconsider issues objectively when new facts emerge.

Key Excerpts from the Letter

  • "An expression of regret is not a matter of prestige or ego. It is simply an acknowledgment that the feelings and concerns of our students matter."
  • "No student should be compelled to attend, and no student should feel compelled to abstain. My only appeal is that the decision should be taken independently."
  • "The issue should not be allowed to acquire a political or extraneous colour through outside influence."
  • "Our law students are the future leaders of the Bar, the Bench and legal academia. Their greatest strength will always be their ability to think independently."

Path Forward: Reconciliation Over Confrontation

Mishra called for the relationship between the judiciary, the Bar, universities, and law students to be resolved through " dialogue, clarification and mutual respect ." He expressed hope that the present issue would now be considered "with fairness and a spirit of reconciliation."

While the BCI chairman did not explicitly name NALSAR or the CJI, the context of the letter left no doubt about its intent. The apology has been welcomed by student representatives, though many remain cautious. NALSAR's Student Bar Council had earlier demanded an unconditional apology, and it remains to be seen whether the BCI’s gesture will fully restore trust.

For now, Mishra’s message on Independence Day serves as a reminder that even powerful institutions must listen to the voices of the future. As he put it, "The spirit of independent thought , mutual respect and constitutional responsibility is perhaps the most meaningful message we can collectively reaffirm."