Bengaluru | 27 Aug 2026
National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation for the graduating Class of 2026, which had been proposed for 12 September. The university cited “unavoidable circumstances” and said students would instead receive their degrees in absentia. The decision comes after hundreds of students and alumni opposed the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra.
NLSIU Says Degrees Will Be Conferred in Absentia
NLSIU informed graduating students on 27 August that the physical convocation would not be held. The university’s Academic Administration team had earlier told students on 3 August that the annual ceremony was proposed for 12 September.
“Despite our collective best efforts, due to unavoidable circumstances, we are unable to hold the 34th Annual Convocation.”
— National Law School of India University notice
The university said degrees would be conferred in absentia after the required approvals from its governing bodies. Graduates will be given the option of receiving their certificates by courier or collecting them from the NLSIU campus.
NLSIU has not publicly stated that the student protests or objections to the proposed guests caused the cancellation. Its official communication attributed the decision only to “unavoidable circumstances”.
Students Opposed CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chairman’s Proposed Participation
The cancellation follows an open letter signed by 165 students from NLSIU’s graduating Class of 2026, 409 current students and 128 alumni. The signatories opposed the proposed presence of CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at the convocation.
The statement was issued amid a wider dispute involving NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad and the Bar Council of India.
“Offensive, humiliating, and a mockery of students and their struggles.”
— NLSIU students and alumni, in their joint statement
The NLSIU signatories also expressed solidarity with NALSAR students and faculty and sought an unconditional apology from the BCI over its action against NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch.
NALSAR Dispute Triggered Wider Law-School Protests
The controversy intensified after a section of NALSAR students opposed the proposed participation of CJI Surya Kant at their convocation. On 13 August, the Bar Council of India initially directed state bar councils not to enrol graduates from NALSAR’s 2026 batch while seeking information about those involved in the campaign.
The BCI withdrew the enrolment restriction within hours following criticism. Later that night, Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said proceedings against the graduating batch had been closed and no further action against the students was required.
The reversal did not end the controversy. NLSIU students and alumni subsequently questioned the proposed participation of both Mishra and the Chief Justice of India at their own convocation.
What Happens Next for NLSIU’s 2026 Graduates
Although the ceremonial event has been called off, graduating students will still receive their degrees after approval by the university’s governing bodies. NLSIU is expected to communicate the procedure for choosing between campus collection and courier delivery of degree certificates.
As of 27 August, the university has not announced a replacement date for the 34th Annual Convocation or indicated that the ceremony will be rescheduled.
