BCI Reverses NALSAR 2026 Ban: Graduates Can Enrol
By Business Desk
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has reversed its ban on NALSAR 2026 graduates enrolling as advocates, allowing all eligible students to proceed.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) initially issued a directive on Thursday, August 13, 2026, instructing all state bar councils to refrain from enrolling NALSAR University of Law graduates from the 2026 batch.
This decision, which sparked immediate controversy, was swiftly reversed by the BCI within hours, now permitting all eligible NALSAR students to enrol as advocates.
Initial Directive and Its Basis
The BCI’s initial order on August 13, 2026, arose from an ongoing examination of allegations regarding a campaign against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s participation in NALSAR University’s convocation.
BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra stated that a report identifying those responsible had been requested, with a final decision anticipated by August 19.
Key Details of the Initial Decision
- Date of Directive: August 13, 2026
- Affected Group: All 2026 graduates of NALSAR University of Law
- Reason Cited: Investigation into campaign against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant
- Expected Final Decision: August 19
The Swift Reversal and Justification
Following a significant public outcry, particularly across social media platforms, the BCI quickly retracted its previous directive.
The modified decision explicitly permits state bar councils to enrol all 2026 NALSAR graduates as advocates.
The BCI clarified that the “vast majority” of students were innocent and should not be penalised for the alleged misconduct of a few individuals, with Chairman Mishra confirming their entitlement to enrol with their chosen State Bar Councils.
Criticism and Ongoing Inquiry
The BCI’s initial directive faced strong criticism, including from Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Vikas Singh.
Singh labelled the order as “illegal, disproportionate and fundamentally unsustainable,” arguing it aimed to intimidate law students and infringe upon their fundamental rights to freedom of speech and expression.
The BCI indicated it received information suggesting a handful of teachers and outsiders were instrumental in allegedly instigating innocent students. The council will now await an inquiry report from the NALSAR vice-chancellor before considering any further action, striving to ensure no student suffers without fault.