NALSAR Student Body Backs NLSIU Batch After Convocation Cancellation

The Student Bar Council (SBC) of NALSAR University of Law has come out in support of the graduating Batch of 2026 at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, after their convocation was cancelled.

In a statement, the SBC termed the cancellation "unfortunate" and stressed that a convocation is a key milestone that honours years of learning and hard work. The council noted that students had made travel and family arrangements for the event, calling the withdrawal of the occasion "cruel."

The statement also waded into the controversy surrounding the presence of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) at the ceremony. The SBC acknowledged that the CJI, as ex-officio Chancellor of NLSIU, was acceptable to the students. However, it expressed concern over reports that a public "re-invitation" to the CJI was being demanded.

According to the council, available information suggests the NLSIU administration did not make such a request, and only direct stakeholders can clarify the sequence of events. The SBC strongly defended the students' right to dissent, arguing that forcing them to publicly re-invite the CJI would undermine their earlier protest and could have a "chilling effect" on future dissent.

The statement also referenced Supreme Court proceedings related to an earlier Bar Council of India (BCI) controversy involving NALSAR students, noting the CJI's observation that students have a right to protest peacefully. The SBC said it salutes the principled stance of the NLSIU batch and appreciated their solidarity during the BCI matter. The statement has been endorsed by 111 NALSAR alumni.