NLSIU Students, Alumni Oppose CJI, BCI Chief At Convocation

The students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have opposed the attendance of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at the upcoming convocation of the university.

In a statement dated August 15, the students and alumni condemned the now-withdrawn BCI order to halt the enrolment of students of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. They expressed their solidarity with the students at NALSAR, who they said have shown exemplary courage and moral conviction in speaking truth to power.

The statement, signed by 165 graduating students of the Class of 2026, 409 current students, and 128 alumni, claimed that the BCI's actions were unconstitutional and illegal. They stated that even after the recall of the ban on enrolment and the inquiry order, the BCI has acknowledged the arbitrary and illegal nature of its actions.

The students and alumni argued that inviting persons in high office to confer degrees to students towards whom they have publicly expressed disdain and condescension is offensive, humiliating, and a mockery of students and their struggles. They demanded that the BCI unconditionally apologize to the student and faculty community at NALSAR for attempting to infringe their fundamental right to free speech and expression.

The BCI's actions, according to the students and alumni, create a chilling effect on free speech not only for the students and faculty members at NALSAR but for students and citizens across the country. They send a clear signal that an act of dissent will be met with severe personal and professional consequences.

The students and alumni expressed their strong disapproval of Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra attending the convocation of NLSIU without taking responsibility for his conduct. They also stood in solidarity with NALSAR in their request to reconsider the choice of the Chief Justice of India as Chief Guest for their Convocation.

The opposition to the attendance of CJI and BCI chief at the convocation is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the BCI's actions against NALSAR. The students and alumni of NLSIU have made it clear that they will not tolerate any attempt to infringe upon their fundamental rights and will stand in solidarity with their fellow students at NALSAR.

The incident highlights the importance of protecting free speech and expression in academic institutions. The students and alumni of NLSIU have demonstrated their commitment to upholding these values and have sent a strong message to the authorities that they will not be silenced.

In the context of the controversy, the attendance of CJI and BCI chief at the convocation has become a sensitive issue. The students and alumni of NLSIU have made it clear that they will not welcome individuals who have attempted to infringe upon their fundamental rights.

The development is significant not only for the students and alumni of NLSIU but also for the wider academic community. It highlights the importance of protecting free speech and expression and the need for academic institutions to stand up against any attempt to infringe upon these values.

In conclusion, the opposition to the attendance of CJI and BCI chief at the convocation of NLSIU is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the BCI's actions against NALSAR. The students and alumni of NLSIU have demonstrated their commitment to upholding the values of free speech and expression and have sent a strong message to the authorities that they will not be silenced.