After a wave of protests regarding invitations to CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra, NLSIU Bengaluru has officially fixed October 17 for its 34th annual convocation.
- The 34th annual convocation of NLSIU is now scheduled for October 17.
- The date was ratified by the Executive and General Councils chaired by CJI Surya Kant.
- Students can choose between attending in person or receiving degrees in absentia.
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has announced October 17 as the new date for its 34th annual convocation. This decision comes after the university was forced to cancel the previous ceremony scheduled for September 12 due to mounting tensions and protests from a section of its student body and alumni.
In an official communication, the university stated that the revised date was approved during meetings of the Executive Council and General Council. These proceedings were chaired by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, who serves as the chancellor of the institution. The administration will now facilitate a preference form for graduates to decide whether they wish to attend the ceremony in person or opt for the 'in-absentia' mode of degree collection.
The Root of the Controversy
The rescheduling stems from a significant backlash regarding the invitations extended to CJI Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra. A segment of the graduating batch and alumni expressed their dissent, citing a broader pattern of friction between law students and judicial/regulatory authorities.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident is a symptom of a growing trend where law students are increasingly utilizing their academic platforms to challenge the judiciary and regulatory bodies. The solidarity shown by NLSIU students toward their peers at NALSAR Hyderabad suggests a unified front among future legal professionals against perceived authoritarianism within the BCI and the judiciary.
"The friction between the student body and the Chancellor highlights a critical gap in communication between the traditional legal hierarchy and the evolving mindset of Gen-Z legal scholars."
The tension was further exacerbated by earlier events at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, where students objected to the CJI's presence following his remarks on NEET paper leak protests. This culminated in a directive from the BCI to halt the enrollment of the graduating batch—a move that was later withdrawn after being challenged in the Supreme Court.
Comparative Analysis of Student Protests
| Institution | Core Grievance | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| NALSAR Hyderabad | CJI's comments on protests & BCI enrollment ban | BCI withdrew the ban after SC challenge |
| NLSIU Bengaluru | Invitations to CJI and BCI Chairperson | Convocation postponed to October 17 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When is the new date for the NLSIU convocation?
A: The ceremony is now scheduled for October 17.
Q2: Can students get their degrees without attending the ceremony?
A: Yes, the university is providing an 'in-absentia' option for those unable or unwilling to attend.
