NLSIU-Bengaluru schedules convocation on October 17 after row over invite to CJI, Bar Council of India chief

National Law School of India University (NLSIU) campus in Bengaluru. The university had cancelled the convocation scheduled for September 12, citing ‘unavoidable circumstances’, and stated on August 27 that graduating students would instead be conferred their degrees in absentia. | Photo Credit: K Murali Kumar After weeks of a row over its 34th annual convocation, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has now scheduled the event on October 17.The university had earlier cancelled the convocation scheduled for September 12, citing ‘unavoidable circumstances’, and stated on August 27 that graduating students would instead be conferred their degrees in absentia. The cancellation had come amid opposition and objections from students and alumni over the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra.The university has not stated whether the CJI will be part of the October 17 convocation. However, it is to be noted that, earlier, when the convocation was proposed for September 12, graduating students were given two options — hold the ceremony with the CJI or not hold the convocation at all.In a communication to graduating students, NLSIU stated that the proposal to hold the 34th annual convocation in October was discussed at the 107th meeting of the Executive Council and the 40th meeting of the General Council held on September 9. The proposal was approved by both governing bodies, which were chaired by the CJI in his capacity as Chancellor of the university.The governing bodies resolved that all graduating students would be formally conferred their degrees, either in person or in absentia, on October 17. NLSIU stated that a separate notification with the detailed schedule of the convocation and other relevant instructions would be issued shortly.Students will be asked to indicate whether they wish to receive their degrees in person or in absentia through a form to be circulated by the university. Those opting to receive their degree in absentia may collect them on or after October 17, with the procedure for this to be notified separately.The university stated that certificates and medals would not be distributed on September 12, and that all previous notifications relating to the process of receiving the degree stood withdrawn.NLSIU also stated that it had already issued an official documentation, on request, to several students to support visa applications, post-graduate study, or other professional requirements. Students with similar requirements have been told to contact the Registrar’s office via email for a quick response.Queries related to the convocation to the Vice-Chancellor’s office have so far not elicited a response.The story so farThe uncertainty over the convocation followed a controversy at Hyderabad’s NALSAR University of Law, where students had opposed the proposed participation of CJI Surya Kant at their convocation following his ‘dismissive remarks’ over NEET paper leak protest and police action.The BCI, headed by Manan Kumar Mishra, subsequently issued an order deferring the enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates following the students’ protest over the invite to the CJI. The development drew criticism and led to intervention by the Supreme Court, which later held that the BCI lacks jurisdiction to discipline or penalise law students.The order was subsequently withdrawn by BCI.This led to NLSIU students agreeing to the presence of the CJI at their convocation while continuing to oppose the presence of BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra. Published - September 10, 2026 11:23 am IST