NALSAR Row: Bombay Bar Association Calls BCI Chief’s Apology ‘Belated’, Seeks Resignation
The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) has strongly criticised Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra over the recent NALSAR controversy, describing his apology as “belated” and stating that the initial action against the law students reflected an alleged abuse of power.
The association also said that Mishra should have resigned after the controversy surrounding the August 13 communication, which had initially directed state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch before the direction was withdrawn later the same day.
⚖️ What Is the NALSAR Controversy?
The controversy began after some students of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, reportedly opposed an invitation to the Chief Justice of India for their graduation ceremony.
Following the developments, a letter dated August 13, 2026, was issued by the BCI Chairman to the university’s vice-chancellor, seeking a report into the matter.
The communication also initially directed state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR graduates from the 2026 batch. However, this particular direction was withdrawn later on the same day.
🚨 Bombay Bar Association Condemns Initial Action
In a resolution passed on Tuesday, the Bombay Bar Association expressed concern that a large section of the students had effectively been “condemned unheard.”
The association described the initial communication as an extreme step that could have caused serious prejudice to the professional careers of students graduating from NALSAR.
According to the BBA, the action raised concerns regarding:
- ⚖️ Principles of natural justice
- 🗣️ Freedom of speech and expression
- ✊ The right to protest
- 🎓 The professional future of the affected students
The association said that such action was taken without adequately considering these principles.
📩 Direction Was Withdrawn, Proceedings Later Closed
While the direction relating to the enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates was withdrawn on August 13, the request for an inquiry report from the university initially remained in place.
Subsequently, Mishra stated in a social media post on August 14 that the Bar Council of India had decided to close the proceedings and that no further action was required.
The Bombay Bar Association welcomed the decision to close the matter, describing it as a step that helped restore confidence in the institution.
📝 BCI Chief’s Apology Draws Sharp Reaction
The BBA also took note of a communication issued by Mishra on August 15, which it described as being in the nature of an apology.
However, the association said that the apology came too late and was insufficient to address the seriousness of the earlier action.
In its resolution, the BBA expressed the view that the apology appeared to be an attempt to calm the situation and said that, in its opinion, Mishra should have already resigned from his position.
🏛️ Matter Reaches the Supreme Court
The Bombay Bar Association noted that the Supreme Court is dealing with matters arising from the events connected to the NALSAR controversy.
The association said that the issue is now sub judice, while also expressing concern over the events that led to the dispute.
👨⚖️ Why the Issue Has Triggered Debate
The controversy has sparked wider discussion within the legal community because the original communication could have directly affected the professional future of an entire graduating batch.
The Bombay Bar Association emphasised that students should not face serious professional consequences without being given a proper opportunity to be heard.
While the BCI later withdrew the disputed direction and closed the proceedings, the BBA’s resolution makes it clear that concerns over the original decision and the subsequent apology remain unresolved.
