NLSIU Cancels Convocation Amid Controversy Over CJI Surya Kant

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation, which was scheduled to take place on September 12, 2026. The university cited 'unavoidable circumstances' as the reason for the cancellation.

Instead, the university will confer degrees in absentia, subject to the necessary approvals from its governing bodies. Graduating students have been informed that they can choose to have their certificates couriered to them or collect them from the NLSIU campus.

The cancellation comes amid controversy within the NLSIU community over the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at the ceremony. The issue gained attention following events at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad, where students had objected to the proposed attendance of CJI Surya Kant at their convocation.

The BCI had briefly directed state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR's 2026 graduates as advocates, following the protests. The directive was withdrawn within hours after facing widespread criticism. The episode subsequently prompted discussions within sections of the NLSIU community, with students questioning the BCI's action against the NALSAR graduates and raising objections to the proposed participation of both Mishra and the CJI at NLSIU's convocation.

An open letter opposing the proposed participation of the two senior legal figures reportedly received signatures from 165 graduating NLSIU students, 409 current students and 128 alumni. The signatories also sought accountability from the BCI over its action concerning NALSAR graduates.

The controversy also carries significance because both Surya Kant and Manan Kumar Mishra had prominent roles at NLSIU's 2025 convocation. CJI Surya Kant presided over the ceremony, while Mishra was the guest of honour.

The cancellation of the convocation is a significant development, highlighting the tensions between the legal community and the BCI. The controversy surrounding CJI Surya Kant and Manan Kumar Mishra's proposed participation has sparked a wider debate about the role of the BCI and the judiciary in the legal education system.

The NLSIU community has been vocal in its opposition to the BCI's actions, with many students and alumni expressing concerns about the impact on the legal profession. The cancellation of the convocation is seen as a victory for the students and alumni who opposed the proposed participation of the two senior legal figures.

In the context of the legal education system in India, the controversy surrounding the NLSIU convocation is significant. It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the governance of law schools and the legal profession. The cancellation of the convocation also raises questions about the role of the BCI and the judiciary in the legal education system.

The development is likely to have implications for the legal community, with many law schools and universities watching the situation closely. The controversy surrounding CJI Surya Kant and Manan Kumar Mishra's proposed participation has sparked a wider debate about the role of the judiciary and the BCI in the legal education system.

In conclusion, the cancellation of the NLSIU convocation is a significant development that highlights the tensions between the legal community and the BCI. The controversy surrounding CJI Surya Kant and Manan Kumar Mishra's proposed participation has sparked a wider debate about the role of the judiciary and the BCI in the legal education system. The development is likely to have implications for the legal community, with many law schools and universities watching the situation closely.