Students of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, have urged the university administration to reconsider the proposed choice of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant as the chief guest for its upcoming convocation, citing concerns over his reported response during proceedings concerning alleged police action against protesters in Delhi.
The representation was submitted on July 23 by students of the outgoing 2026 batch and was addressed to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and faculty members. Since the convocation date had not been finalised and the chief guest was reportedly still under consideration, the students requested that their concerns be taken into account before any final decision was made.
Students Cite Supreme Court Proceedings
The primary concern raised by the students relates to proceedings before a Supreme Court Bench led by CJI Surya Kant concerning allegations of police excesses against protesters who participated in the “Chalo Sansad” march at Jantar Mantar on July 20.
According to the representation, when a lawyer sought an urgent hearing on the issue during mentioning before the CJI on July 22, the students stated that the Bench responded, “Don’t waste our time, and don’t waste your time.”
The students further referred to an exchange concerning video evidence of the alleged police action. According to their representation, when counsel offered to show videos documenting the incident, the CJI reportedly said that the Bench was not interested in watching the videos and did not have time to do so.
The students said these remarks had caused concern because of the nature of the allegations involved and the constitutional questions surrounding the treatment of protesters.
Reference to Alleged Police Excesses
The representation also referred to a separate letter petition before the CJI seeking suo motu intervention by the Supreme Court in relation to the police action during the July 20 protests.
According to the students, the petition raised allegations concerning injuries to more than 170 protesters, including women and children. It also referred to possible violations of safeguards associated with the Supreme Court’s judgment in D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal, which laid down important safeguards concerning arrest and detention.
The students argued that the allegations warranted serious consideration, particularly in light of constitutional protections relating to personal liberty, dignity and the right to peaceful expression.
Students Raise Concerns Over University Values
In their representation, the students connected their objection to the broader purpose of a university convocation.
They stated that a convocation should reflect the institution’s commitment to constitutional values, access to justice and reasoned engagement with grievances. According to the students, these principles should also influence the choice of an individual invited to address graduating students at such an important academic ceremony.
The students expressed concern that receiving their degrees from a dignitary whose recent conduct they viewed as dismissive of allegations of police brutality would be inconsistent with the values they had been taught during their legal education.
Their objection is therefore not limited to the proposed guest’s position but also concerns what the choice would symbolise for graduating students and the institution.
Students Seek Consultation Before Final Decision
The students have requested NALSAR to reconsider the proposed selection of CJI Surya Kant as chief guest and to consult the graduating batch before extending or confirming any invitation.
They have also indicated that they remain open to discussing the matter with the university administration. The students suggested that the university could engage with student representatives through a meeting or any other appropriate mechanism before taking a final decision.
Reports indicate that the initial representation was signed by around 70 students from the outgoing 2026 batch. Subsequently, around 380 students from batches between 2027 and 2031 reportedly extended their support to the concerns raised.
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Convocation Date Yet to Be Announced
NALSAR has not announced a final date for the upcoming convocation, nor has the university officially confirmed CJI Surya Kant’s participation as chief guest.
The development has brought renewed attention to the relationship between legal education, constitutional values and student participation in institutional decisions. It also highlights the increasing willingness of law students to publicly engage with questions concerning judicial conduct, civil liberties and access to justice.
The university’s eventual decision on the proposed chief guest is expected to determine whether the concerns raised by students will result in a reconsideration of the invitation or further dialogue between the administration and the student community.
