NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chairman attending convocation

Published Aug 16, 02:53 PM UTC

Students and alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, have issued an open letter opposing the attendance of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at the upcoming NLSIU convocation. The letter, signed by 165 graduating students, 409 current students, and 128 alumni, expresses solidarity with NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, which had previously requested reconsideration of CJI Kant as its convocation chief guest. The signatories condemn the now-withdrawn BCI directive to halt enrollment of NALSAR students as advocates, calling it an infringement on free speech. They demand an unconditional apology from the BCI for attempting to violate fundamental rights and criticize Chairman Mishra for using his position to make partisan political comments, including labeling protesting students as 'anti-social and anti-national forces.' The letter argues that inviting persons who have shown disdain for students to confer degrees is offensive and humiliating.