Hyderabad: More than 450 students of the 2026 batch at NALSAR University, Hyderabad, have opposed the decision to invite Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant as the chief guest for the university’s convocation ceremony.
The students have written a letter to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, faculty members and administrative officials, asking the university to reconsider the decision.
The students said they were deeply disappointed by some alleged remarks made by CJI Surya Kant during recent court proceedings. They specifically mentioned two incidents.
One was an alleged remark related to watching video evidence of police action against protesters. The other was the reported “cockroach” remark concerning young people.
The students said these remarks raised concerns about sensitivity towards young people and protesters.
The students said that a convocation is not just a ceremony where students receive their degrees. It is an important and emotional moment in their academic journey.
They said that receiving their degrees from a person whose alleged remarks have caused them serious concern would make the occasion uncomfortable for them.
The students have therefore asked the university to reconsider inviting CJI Surya Kant as the chief guest.
The students said their objection is not simply about personal disagreement with the CJI. They have connected the issue with constitutional values, academic freedom and democratic principles.
According to the students, a leading law university represents values such as justice, constitutional rights, equality and freedom of thought. They believe the person invited as chief guest should also reflect these values.
They have asked the university administration to seriously consider the concerns of the graduating batch before taking a final decision.
The students also referred to earlier controversies involving remarks attributed to CJI Surya Kant.
However, CJI Surya Kant has previously clarified that some of his reported comments were taken out of context or misrepresented by the media.
Despite this, the students said these incidents have created serious concerns among them, which is why they have raised an objection to his presence at the convocation.
The final date of the NALSAR convocation has also reportedly not been confirmed yet.
There was a proposal to hold the ceremony in August, but preparations have not fully started. The university’s examination schedule has also created uncertainty over whether the convocation will be held in August.
The NALSAR students’ protest comes shortly after the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai postponed its 86th convocation ceremony.
CJI Surya Kant had also been invited as the chief guest for that event. TISS cited “unforeseen circumstances” for postponing the ceremony.
The latest protest at NALSAR has once again brought the issue of CJI Surya Kant being invited as a convocation chief guest into national attention.
The focus is now on the NALSAR administration and whether it will reconsider its decision after receiving the students’ letter, or continue with CJI Surya Kant as the chief guest.