NLSIU scraps 2026 convocation after students object to CJI invite

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru has called off its 2026 convocation ceremony, opting instead to dispatch degree certificates to graduating students by courier. The decision follows opposition from a section of students and alumni to the invitation extended to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra.

Vice Chancellor Dr Sudhir Krishnaswamy confirmed the cancellation, stating that even gold medals would be sent to awardees or made available for collection on campus. Registrar Dr Saurabh Bhattacharjee informed graduating students via email that degrees would be conferred 'in absentia' after necessary approvals, with certificates either couriered or collected in person.

The development comes weeks after the university's academic administration had proposed September 12 as the date for the annual convocation. Around 165 graduating students, 409 current students, and 128 alumni had signed an open letter condemning the BCI's now-withdrawn August 13 order that directed state bar councils not to enroll graduates of NALSAR Hyderabad over their opposition to the CJI's invitation to their convocation.

In a statement, NLSIU students said that while the BCI had closed proceedings against NALSAR, the initiation of such proceedings by a statutory body against students and faculty of a public university remained concerning. They argued that inviting persons who had expressed disdain towards students to confer degrees was offensive and made a mockery of their academic struggles.

The protest at NALSAR stemmed from oral remarks made by the CJI last month during a hearing on a petition alleging police excesses in protests against the NEET question paper leak. The CJI had reportedly said, "Please don't waste our time. We don't have time to watch these videos."