Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra on Saturday apologised to law students across the country for his remarks that "a handful of teachers and outsiders were instrumental in instigating innocent students" at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.
The remarks came amid outrage over BCI decision barring state bar councils from enrolling 2026 NALSAR graduates as advocates. This order was later withdrawn by BCI.
In his letter, he said the recent developments had caused "concern and anguish" among a section of the student community. "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 said.
"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.
Earlier in the day, the Student Bar Council of NALSAR University of Law condemned BCI's move and demanded an apology from Mishra for his objectionable comments against students and faculty.
Pointing out that Mishra was also a BJP Rajya Sabha member, the council alleged that his remarks and BCI's withdrawn order appeared to be a political exercise. The students said NALSAR was faced with a choice between acquiescing to the "shrinking of democratic space" and affirming that universities were not extensions of the state.
On Friday, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned the BCI over its action against NALSAR graduates after students objected to a proposal to invite the CJI as the chief guest at the university convocation.
In his letter, Mishra also stressed that law students are "among the most informed and discerning young citizens of the country" and they study the Constitution, the Rule of Law, fairness and the importance of hearing all sides before reaching a conclusion. Hence, they "do not require anyone to decide for them," he clarified in a bid to put an end to the controversy.
With regard to the NALSAR convocation, he said it is up to students to decide whether they should attend or skip the event. "No student should be compelled to attend, and no student should feel compelled to abstain," he said, urging them to take independent decisions.
