Supreme Court Backs NALSAR Students' Right to Protest; Says BCI Has No Business Stopping Them

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday has issued a significant and strong statement on the NALSAR University controversy. The court clarified that students have every right to peaceful protest and that the Bar Council of India (BCI) has no right to interfere. The Top Court also said that that the court would not allow students to be stopped from raising their voice through lawful and peaceful protests.

What did the Supreme Court say?

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday expressed deep displeasure over the BCI's circular prohibiting the registration of NALSAR Law University students from practicing law in the 2026 batch. The CJI sternly stated, "This matter is between me and the students; who are outside bodies like the BCI to interfere?"

"BCI is unnecessarily taking action. If the students have a cause to protest, they have the right to protest. Students might have written a letter to me. It's a dialogue between students and me. Who are they (BCI) to unnecessarily raise an issue? This is totally uncalled for. BCI has nothing to do with this," CJI said.

"I myself, during student days, was involved in student activities. Peacefully they are raising voice, they should be allowed. Even if they are wrong, assuming, they have the right to protest. Who can stop them? So long as they are lawfully and peacefully raising a voice, they must be heard. Why Bar Council or any other body should interfere?" CJI observed.

What did Supreme Court say to BCI?

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the BCI in this matter. It has also clearly directed that no punitive action should be taken against any NALSAR student or professor.

"You will have to tell us about this in your reply," the court said.

What is the case?

A large number of youth from all over the country participated in the protest organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in the capital Delhi. This protest was called to protest against the paper leak in NEET. As a result of this protest, the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. Law students from NALSAR University also participated in this protest. The Bar Council of India (BCI) took action against these students and stopped the registration of the 2026 batch. 

The BCI had directed all state bar councils not to enroll students graduating from NALSAR University, Hyderabad, as lawyers. However, following widespread protests and a strong Supreme Court order, the BCI was forced to withdraw its order within hours.