NLSIU Cancels 34th Annual Convocation
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation for the 2026 graduating batch, which was scheduled for September 12. The university cited “unavoidable circumstances” for the decision and said degrees will instead be conferred in absentia, subject to approval from its governing bodies.
The decision comes amid growing opposition from NLSIU students and alumni to the proposed participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at the ceremony.
Graduating Students to Receive Degrees Without Ceremony
Although the physical convocation has been cancelled, NLSIU has clarified that the graduating batch will still receive their degrees.
The university said degrees will be conferred in absentia after the required approvals from its governing bodies. Students will be able to choose between receiving their certificates by courier or collecting them from the campus. NLSIU will share a form and further instructions regarding the process.
September 12 Convocation Date Now Cancelled
NLSIU had informed its graduating students on August 3 that September 12 was the proposed date for the annual convocation. However, a notification issued on August 27 confirmed that the ceremony would not go ahead.
The university did not provide specific details about the circumstances behind the cancellation, describing them only as “unavoidable circumstances.”
Students and Alumni Had Opposed Proposed Guests
The cancellation follows an ongoing controversy over the proposed attendance of CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra.
More than 700 NLSIU students and alumni had objected to their proposed participation. An open letter opposing the invitations was reportedly signed by 165 graduating students, 409 current students and 128 alumni.
The NLSIU community had also expressed solidarity with students and faculty members of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, following a separate dispute involving the BCI and NALSAR’s graduating batch.
NALSAR Dispute Triggered Wider Debate
The controversy gained momentum after the BCI temporarily halted the enrolment process for NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch following opposition to the proposed participation of CJI Surya Kant at its convocation. The decision was withdrawn within hours after widespread criticism.
NLSIU students and alumni subsequently criticised the BCI’s action and called for an unconditional apology to the NALSAR student and faculty community.
CJI Surya Kant Held Dialogue With NLSIU Students
Amid the controversy, CJI Surya Kant reportedly held a 90-minute discussion with NLSIU students to hear their concerns. However, opposition to the proposed participation of the CJI and BCI Chairman at the convocation continued.
The dispute has consequently raised broader questions about student representation, institutional autonomy and the role of external legal authorities in university ceremonies.
NLSIU Students Await Further Instructions
With the physical ceremony cancelled, the immediate focus for the 2026 graduating batch will be the university’s alternative degree-conferral process.
Students will have to wait for NLSIU’s further communication regarding the certificate form, courier arrangements and campus collection. The university’s governing bodies must also approve the proposed process before degrees are formally conferred in absentia.
The cancellation has brought an unusual conclusion to the NLSIU 2026 graduation cycle, while the debate surrounding the proposed participation of senior legal figures continues to draw attention.