NLSIU calls off convocation, students to get degrees in absentia
NLSIU scraps 34th convocation after students object to CJI Surya Kant’s presence; degrees to be conferred in absentia amid protests and backlash against BCI
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has cancelled the convocation ceremony of the 2026 graduating batch after students objected to Chief Justice Surya Kant’s proposed presence at the event.
The controversy stems from CJI Surya Kant’s oral observations made during a Supreme Court hearing where he apparently remarked that “there are youngsters like cockroaches” who lack employment and become media figures, social media users, or RTI activists to “attack everyone”.
Also read: After NALSAR, why are NLSIU students opposing convocation invite to CJI, BCI chief?
The comment gave birth to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a Gen Z-led organisation that has since taken the protest path to oust Dharmendra Pradhan from the Union education minister’s post. While the CJI has issued a formal clarification stating that his criticism was strictly aimed at those who enter professions using bogus degrees, and not at the youth in general, the damage seems permanent.
Students to be awarded degrees in absentia
On August 3, the university had informed students via email that the convocation ceremony would be held on September 12. However, a notice issued on Thursday (August 27) announced that the 34th Annual Convocation would not take place due to “unavoidable circumstances.”
“Despite our collective best efforts, we are unable to hold the 34th Annual Convocation,” the notice stated.
Also read: BCI chief apologises over NALSAR enrolment order, backs students’ right to dissent
The university clarified that all graduating students will be awarded their degrees in absentia, subject to approval by its governing bodies. Students will have the option to either receive their certificates by courier or collect them directly from the campus. A new form and detailed process for choosing the preferred option will be shared with graduating students later on Thursday.
CJP co-convenor Saurav Das, reacting to the development, said he hoped the graduating batch would organise its own convocation ceremony “the Gen-Z way” and invites “the most honourable guest” to felicitate them.
The NALSAR row
The students had objected to the presence of the CJI as well as Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at NLSIU’s convocation. They had demanded an unconditional apology from the BCI to the student and faculty of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.
The demand followed the BCI’s controversial move to freeze enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch. The BCI had initially directed all state bar councils not to enrol any student from the batch, pending an inquiry into a campaign opposing CJI Surya Kant’s participation in NALSAR’s convocation. The order was later withdrawn.
Also read: After NALSAR row, a bigger question for Bar Council: Who makes its decisions?
Mishra explained that the BCI had “thoroughly discussed and deliberated” on his earlier directive and decided to amend it. The BCI unanimously concluded, based on the “latest report,” that the majority of NALSAR’s graduating students were innocent and had not intended to show disrespect.
“Accordingly, the Council modifies the chairman’s order regarding the ban on enrolment of NALSAR students with the State Bar Councils. All students will be entitled to enrol with the state bar councils of their choice,” the revised order stated.