Supreme Court Judge Ujjal Bhuyan Applauds NALSAR Students Amidst Recent Controversy

Supreme Court Judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan recently offered high praise for the student body of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law, describing them as “brilliant,” “bold,” and “brave.” His remarks, delivered during the valedictory session of the 19th Justice Bodh Raj Sawhney Memorial Moot Court Competition, come at a pivotal moment for the prestigious institution following a high-profile standoff regarding the independence of student expression.

While Justice Bhuyan refrained from explicitly naming the recent dispute, his words carried significant weight given that he once served as the university’s Chancellor. Addressing the gathering, he noted that the students have set an example for the country, demonstrating the true character expected of those pursuing a career in law.

Leadership and Faculty Commended

Beyond the students, Justice Bhuyan extended his appreciation to the university’s administration and academic staff. He specifically lauded Vice-Chancellor Professor Srikrishna Deva Rao, noting that he was instrumental in Professor Rao’s appointment during his own tenure as Chancellor. According to Justice Bhuyan, the university has been steered with integrity, ensuring that both the teaching community and the student body remain supported and valued. He emphasized that the faculty had fulfilled their professional obligations with admirable dedication.

Context of the NALSAR Row

The praise follows a tumultuous period at the university sparked by a student-led campaign against the proposed invitation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant as the chief guest for their convocation. The protest originated from concerns among a section of the graduating class regarding observations made by the CJI during judicial proceedings involving alleged police conduct during student protests in the national capital.

By July 23, the movement had gained momentum, with 70 members of the outgoing LLB batch formally representing their dissent. This collective action triggered a sharp reaction from the Bar Council of India (BCI). In an unprecedented move on August 13, BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra directed State Bar Councils to halt the enrollment of the 2026 graduating class until further notice, effectively threatening the professional future of the students.

Supreme Court Intervention

The BCI’s heavy-handed response prompted an intervention from the Supreme Court. On August 14, the apex court moved to shield the student body and faculty from punitive measures, explicitly questioning the jurisdiction of the BCI in the matter. The court underscored that while the BCI holds authority over legal education standards, it possesses no legal standing to impose disciplinary sanctions on individual law students for exercising their right to protest.

Following the judicial reprimand, BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra issued a formal apology. He acknowledged the distress caused by his previous directives and expressed sincere regret for any words or letters that may have wounded the sentiments of the students. Mishra conceded that students deserve to be heard with sensitivity and respect, marking a cooling of the tensions that had gripped the legal academic community throughout August.

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