NLSIU cancels convocation ceremony for graduating students 2026

National Law School of India University (NLSIU). File | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has cancelled its convocation ceremony for the graduating students of 2026.Also read | Dissent, degrees and the Bar: Inside the NALSAR-CJI controversyIn a letter dated August 27, 2026, a copy of which is with The Hindu, the Registrar said, “On August 3, 2026, the Academic Administration team had emailed the graduating students with advance notice of September 12, 2026, as the proposed date for the Annual Convocation. Despite our collective best efforts, due to unavoidable circumstances, we are unable to hold the 34th Annual Convocation.”The letter further stated, “All graduating students will be conferred their degrees in absentia after due approvals by the Governing Bodies. Students may elect to receive their Certificates by courier or collect them at Campus. The University will share a new form and the process with all graduating students to choose their preferred option later today.”The decision came after the graduating students of NLSIU as well as alumni wrote to the administration on August 15 opposing the invitation of convocation to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra.The letter to oppose the invitation to these guests was signed by 165 graduating students, 409 current students, 128 alumni.The letter was in support of NALSAR students and faculty members and had demanded for unconditional apology from BCI.The BCI chief had directed the State Bar Council not to enrol NALSAR 2026 graduating students after they opposed the presence of CJI Surya Kant in their convocation.When The Hindu reached out to NLSIU, the university confirmed the cancellation of the 34th convocation and said, “The University will be conferring Degrees to all graduating students in absentia after due approvals by the Governing Bodies. All Gold Medal recipients can collect their medals in-person or through an authorised representative on September 12 or later. No student will suffer any adverse consequences arising out of the decision not to hold a Convocation.” Published - August 27, 2026 05:33 pm IST