New Delhi: Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra issued an apology to students of Hyderabad's NALSAR (National Academy of Legal Studies and Research) University of Law over his order barring the 2026 batch of graduates from enrolling as advocates.
In a letter issued on Saturday, Mishra expressed regret if his words or any communication connected to the controversy had hurt the sentiments of law students. His apology came a day after the Supreme Court criticised the BCI over the issue.
"The developments of the last few days have caused concern and anguish among a section of the student community. Whenever students feel hurt or aggrieved, their concerns deserve to be heard with patience, sensitivity and respect. If anything connected with the present controversy, any of my words, or letter, has hurt the feelings of our law students, I sincerely regret and apologise for the same," Mishra wrote.
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"There should be no hesitation in saying so. An expression of regret is not a matter of prestige or ego. It is simply an acknowledgment that the feelings and concerns of our students matter," he added.
Hours before Mishra's statement, NALSAR's Student Bar Council had condemned the BCI's earlier order and demanded an apology from its chairman.
The elected student body objected to Mishra's remarks that "a handful of teachers and outsiders were instrumental in instigating innocent students."
On August 13, the BCI had directed all State Bar Councils not to enrol any 2026 graduate of NALSAR University of Law as an advocate until further orders.
However, the directive was withdrawn within hours following widespread criticism.
According to reports, the BCI's action came after some NALSAR students allegedly opposed inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the university's convocation.
