NALSAR Students Protest Against CJI Surya Kant as Convocation Chief Guest
In a recent development, a group of students at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) in Hyderabad have expressed their opposition to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant being invited as the chief guest for their upcoming convocation. The students have cited the CJI’s recent remarks during a hearing related to the NEET protests in New Delhi as the reason for their objection.
A Long-Standing Tradition
Having the Chief Justice of India deliver the convocation address has been a tradition at NALSAR for many years. However, the recent controversy surrounding the CJI’s remarks has put a question mark on this long-standing practice. The students argue that the CJI’s comments, which were made during a hearing on July 22, were dismissive of allegations of police brutality against protesters.
The Controversy
During the hearing, the CJI made remarks such as, “We are not interested in videos. We don’t have time to watch them,” and, “Don’t waste our time, and don’t waste your time.” The comments were widely circulated and sparked outrage among students and activists. The students at NALSAR saw this as an opportunity to express their solidarity with the protesters and with educationist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
A Show of Solidarity
On July 20, several NALSAR students observed a one-meal fast as a mark of solidarity with the protesters. The gesture was a symbol of their commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equality. The students’ actions were a clear expression of their values and their desire to make a difference.
A Collective Effort
The students’ opposition to the CJI being invited as the chief guest was not a solo effort. Around 70 students, including members of the Students Bar Council, signed a representation to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, faculty members, and administration on July 23. The representation was supported by students from the outgoing 2026 batch, as well as students from the 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031 batches.
A Call to Action
The students have given the administration a week’s notice to reconsider the decision to invite the CJI as the chief guest. If their concerns are not addressed, they have threatened to hold a protest. The students are determined to make their voices heard and to uphold the values of justice and equality that are at the heart of legal education.
Uncertainty Lingers
As of August 8, the university had not formally responded to the representation. The administration has also not announced the convocation date or communicated whether the CJI would attend. The uncertainty has created logistical concerns for the graduating batch, with some members having already started employment abroad.
A Wait-and-Watch Approach
University officials have stated that an August convocation appears unlikely, particularly because the latter part of the month would overlap with mid-semester examinations for some batches. The officials have also suggested that the administration is adopting a wait-and-watch approach, indicating that the decision to reconsider the CJI’s invitation is unlikely.
A Stand for Justice
The students at NALSAR are taking a stand for justice and equality. They are refusing to compromise on their values and are demanding that the university uphold the principles of legal education. The controversy surrounding the CJI’s remarks has sparked a wider debate about the role of the judiciary in upholding human rights and the importance of accountability in public institutions.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the students at NALSAR are committed to making their voices heard and to upholding the values of justice and equality that are at the heart of legal education.