BCI removes restriction on NALSAR’s 2026 batch after criticism, but inquiry will continue; CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke takes a dig at Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra
New Delhi: The controversy over NALSAR University of Law students and their protest has taken a fresh turn. Within hours of stopping the 2026 batch from enrolling as advocates, the Bar Council of India (BCI) changed its decision and removed the restriction.
This means the students can now enrol with any State Bar Council of their choice. However, the matter is not completely over. The BCI will continue its inquiry and will decide on further action after receiving a report from the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor.
How Did the Controversy Begin?
The dispute started over NALSAR’s decision to invite Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant as the chief guest for its convocation ceremony.
More than 450 students from the 2026 batch submitted a representation to the university, asking it to reconsider the decision.
The students said their objection was not against the office of the CJI. They said their concerns were linked to some recent judicial developments and alleged remarks.
They also said that raising their concerns was part of their right to express disagreement.
Why Did BCI Stop Their Enrolment?
After the controversy grew, the BCI directed all State Bar Councils not to enrol students from NALSAR’s 2026 batch as advocates.
The BCI also asked the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor to submit a report within three days.
The Council sought details of students who were allegedly involved in starting, organising or promoting the campaign. It also asked for information about students who allegedly helped coordinate the campaign or promoted it through the media.
BCI Changes Its Decision Within Hours
The first BCI order faced criticism from legal circles and on social media.
The main concern was whether students should face problems in starting their legal careers because of their participation in a protest.
Following the criticism, the BCI issued a revised order and removed the restriction.
The students of NALSAR’s 2026 batch can now enrol as advocates with any State Bar Council of their choice.
The BCI also said that students who were not involved in any wrongdoing should not suffer because of the actions of others.
Abhijeet Dipke Takes a Dig at BCI Chairman
After the BCI changed its decision, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra on social media.
Dipke questioned whether it was now time for Mishra to resign.
In another post, Dipke referred to an alleged “debt” involving a Rajya Sabha seat.
He also made another sarcastic post asking what would happen if “all the legal cockroaches” came together.
His posts added to the discussion around the NALSAR controversy on social media.
The Enrolment Ban Is Gone, But the Inquiry Continues
Although the enrollment restriction has been removed, the BCI has not closed the matter.
The Council will wait for the report from the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor and will then decide whether any further action is needed.
The revised order also says that, according to the information available to the BCI, most students were not involved in the campaign.
The BCI has also received information that some teachers and outsiders allegedly encouraged students to take part in the campaign. Their names, however, have not been made public in the order.
What Happens Now?
For the NALSAR 2026 batch, the immediate problem has been removed. Students can now enrol with the State Bar Council of their choice and move ahead with their legal careers.
But the controversy is not completely over. The next step will depend on the report submitted by the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor and the BCI’s decision after examining it.