Bar Council lifts enrollment ban on NALSAR’s 2026 graduates after student protest

The Bar Council of India issued a revised circular on Thursday that overturns a prior directive which had prevented the 2026 graduating class of NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad from enrolling as advocates. The initial prohibition was triggered by a student-led protest against the invitation extended to Chief Justice Surya Kant to attend the university’s convocation ceremony. Critics argued that the measure punished the majority of students who were not involved in the protest.

The council’s amendment now permits the affected graduates to apply for advocacy registration. Officials indicated the change reflects the view that most students are innocent of any wrongdoing. The episode highlights tensions between legal institutions and student activism.