NLSIU Cancels 34th Annual Convocation Following Student Protests Over Chief Guest
BENGALURU: The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), one of the country’s premier legal institutions, has abruptly cancelled its 34th annual convocation, originally scheduled for September 12. The announcement comes in the wake of intensifying tensions between the university administration and its student body regarding the choice of guests for the prestigious ceremony.
In a formal communication sent to the graduating class on Thursday, the administration cited “unavoidable circumstances” as the reason for the cancellation. Students, who were expecting a formal graduation ceremony, have instead been informed that they will now receive their degrees in absentia, with options to collect them via courier or in person at the campus.
A Growing Wave of Dissent
The decision follows a period of vocal opposition from students and alumni regarding the presence of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI) at the event.
Earlier this month, a group of 165 graduating students issued a collective statement expressing their deep disapproval. The students argued that inviting high-ranking officials who have publicly expressed “disdain and condescension” toward the student community felt like an “offensive” and “humiliating” gesture that mocked the struggles and contributions of the student body. This movement mirrored similar protests observed at Nalsar University of Law in Hyderabad, where students also resisted the presence of high-profile legal dignitaries.
Administrative Stance
Traditionally, the CJI serves as the university’s chancellor, and the BCI chairman leads the general council, making their attendance a long-standing norm at NLSIU convocations.
When questioned on whether the backlash directly precipitated the cancellation, a university spokesperson declined to link the two, maintaining that the event was called off due to “unavoidable circumstances” determined in consultation with governing bodies and the chancellor. The spokesperson noted that it had become clear the event could no longer be held as a “solemn ceremony.”
The university officially denied that any pressure was placed on students to retract their statements. “There was no punitive or disciplinary action against students,” the spokesperson stated, adding, “As an institute, we encourage freedom of speech and expression.”
A “Badge of Honour”
The cancellation has drawn significant attention from the legal fraternity. Addressing the situation, Supreme Court advocate Bharat Chugh took to social media to support the graduating class. In a post on X, Chugh emphasized that a law degree remains a testament to a student’s hard work, regardless of who confers it.
“Convocation or no convocation, the batch should celebrate this ‘in-absentia’ granted degree with its head held high, mind without fear, and as a badge of honour,” he wrote.
As the university moves forward with the alternative degree-distribution process, the incident remains a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the relationship between academic institutions, their student bodies, and the judiciary. The NLSIU will not be holding a formal ceremony, marking a rare deviation from tradition, as the institution has not held a physical convocation since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
