NLSIU Bengaluru Cancels 34th Annual Convocation Following Student Protests

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation ceremony for the graduating class of 2026, following objections raised by students and alumni over invitations extended to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra.

In a communication dated August 27, 2026, the Registrar stated that the university was unable to hold the convocation due to unavoidable circumstances, despite best efforts. The Academic Administration team had previously notified students on August 3 that the ceremony was proposed to take place on September 12, 2026.

The university confirmed that all graduating students will now receive their degrees in absentia once the necessary approvals are granted by the Governing Bodies. Graduating students will be allowed to elect whether to receive their certificates via courier or collect them directly on campus through an online form.

The cancellation comes after 165 graduating students, 409 current students, and 128 alumni submitted a joint letter to the NLSIU administration on August 15 opposing the invitation of CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra.

The letter expressed solidarity with students and faculty members of NALSAR and demanded an unconditional apology from the BCI. The BCI chief had earlier instructed the State Bar Council not to enrol NALSAR 2026 graduates after students there opposed the presence of CJI Surya Kant at their convocation.

NLSIU stated that all gold medal recipients can collect their medals in person or through an authorised representative on September 12 or at a later date. The university also affirmed that no student will face adverse consequences as a result of the convocation ceremony being called off.