03 September,2026 02:07 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The Supreme Court made it clear that the BCI cannot exercise regulatory control over students before they become advocates and come within the statutory framework governing the legal profession. FILE PIC
The Supreme Court on Thursday held that the Bar Council of India (BCI) has no statutory power to regulate the conduct of law students, observing that educational institutions are responsible for taking action against students in accordance with their own regulatory norms, news agency PTI reported.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana passed the order while hearing the controversy arising from the BCI's action against students of Hyderabad's NALSAR University of Law over their objections to the CJI's proposed participation in the university's convocation.
The bench set aside two notifications issued by the BCI in connection with the NALSAR row, even though both had been withdrawn within hours of their issuance following widespread criticism.
The bench made it clear that the BCI cannot exercise regulatory control over students before they become advocates and come within the statutory framework governing the legal profession. Any action against students for their conduct, it said, was a matter for the educational institution concerned under its own rules and regulations.
The controversy erupted on August 14 after the BCI directed state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR's 2026 graduates as advocates until further orders over allegations relating to a campaign against CJI Kant's proposed visit to the university.
When the matter was mentioned before the Supreme Court, the CJI had strongly disapproved of the BCI's intervention, saying, "It's a dialogue between students and me. Who are they (BCI) to interfere? This is totally uncalled for".
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked a group of advocates, who moved a plea seeking a CBI probe into their alleged assault during a protest demanding the resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, to approach the Delhi High Court.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was told by advocate Prashant Bhushan that the lawyers were allegedly beaten up by some goons, who claim to be lawyers, during their protest outside the BCI office.
"The BCI chairman issued a statement proudly saying that some legal cockroaches were protesting here and our lawyers came and beat them up in the midnight. We are seeking CBI investigation and preservation of CCTV footage. Our fear is that BCI footage will be destroyed," Bhushan claimed.
A group of advocates on August 20 staged a protest outside the BCI office in the national capital, alleging irregularities in its functioning and demanding the resignation of Mishra.
The demonstration saw members of the legal fraternity raising several demands, including the implementation of an Advocates Protection Act, provision of insurance coverage for all advocates, and regular and transparent inspections of law colleges.
The protest was called by the All India Young Advocates Association and supported by the Cockroach Janta Party.
The NALSAR controversy began after a section of students of NALSAR University of Law wrote to the vice-chancellor, registrar, and professors of the institution, opposing any proposal to invite CJI Kant as chief guest to the varsity's convocation.
In the first circular, Mishra said the BCI was examining allegations regarding a campaign against the CJI's participation in the university's convocation and had sought a report identifying those responsible.
The decision was reversed within hours following criticism from members of the legal fraternity. A modified order said the "vast majority" of the students were innocent and should not be made to suffer for the alleged misconduct of a few.
Mishra later apologised to the law students.
CJI Kant subsequently pulled up the BCI over the order and said it was "dialogue between students and me".
The NALSAR Student Bar Council subsequently demanded a public apology from Mishra. Graduating students, current students and alumni of NLSIU, Bengaluru, also issued a joint statement seeking a similar apology and rejected the presence of the BCI chairperson and the CJI at their convocation.
(With PTI inputs)
