The Supreme Court on Friday directed that no punitive action be taken against NALSAR University of Law students over the protests concerning Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while issuing notice in proceedings arising from the Bar Council of India’s action against the students.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the interim direction after the matter was mentioned by Senior Advocate K Parameshwar. The protection was extended to students and faculty members of national law universities and other law universities.
The Court was informed that the BCI had already withdrawn the circular concerning the NALSAR students as well as the inquiry initiated in connection with the protests. The BCI accepted notice, and the Court allowed it two weeks to file its counter affidavit.
Despite the withdrawal, the Bench made it clear that NALSAR students should not face punitive action over the incidents referred to in the communications that led to the proceedings.
BCI Action Against NALSAR Batch
The dispute stemmed from action taken by the BCI against students belonging to NALSAR Hyderabad’s 2026 batch following their campaign against CJI Surya Kant.
Under the subsequently withdrawn measure, students from the batch were to be prevented from enrolling as advocates because of the campaign. The BCI had also initiated an inquiry relating to the protests.
With the circular and inquiry withdrawn, the Supreme Court nevertheless chose to examine the matter and issued notice rather than closing the proceedings at that stage.
CJI Questions BCI’s Intervention
During the hearing, CJI Surya Kant strongly disapproved of the BCI’s decision to intervene in the dispute. He said the issue essentially concerned a dialogue between the students and him and questioned why the Bar Council had stepped into the matter.
Referring to his own participation in student activities during his student years, the CJI said students could not be deprived of their right to protest merely because their position or statements might be considered wrong.
Senior Advocate K Parameshwar also questioned the BCI’s involvement, submitting before the Bench that the regulatory body had no role in matters concerning what was taking place within a university.
CJI Encourages Students To Enrol As Advocates
The CJI further indicated that the controversy should not become an obstacle to the students entering the legal profession. He observed that an incorrect statement made at a young age did not extinguish a person’s right to protest.
He encouraged the NALSAR students to complete their enrolment as advocates and join the Supreme Court Bar. The CJI also indicated that they could be considered for empanelment in legal aid matters before the Supreme Court.
