NALSAR Students Oppose CJI Surya Kant as Convocation Chief Guest

A reported proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the upcoming convocation of NALSAR University of Law has sparked objections among a section of students, who say the choice raises concerns about the constitutional values the institution represents.

The issue was initially raised by students of the 2026 graduating batch, who wrote to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and faculty members on July 23. Their representation questioned the proposed invitation and urged the administration to consult students before taking a final decision. The objection has reportedly since received support from students across several batches.

The students’ concerns are linked to the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The demonstration, which raised issues including the NEET examination and reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA), was followed by allegations of police excesses against protesters attempting to march towards Parliament.

According to the students, a petition seeking urgent judicial intervention over the alleged police action was not taken up for immediate hearing before a Supreme Court Bench headed by CJI Surya Kant. They also referred to reports about proceedings in which a lawyer attempted to place video evidence concerning the alleged police conduct before the court. The students said remarks attributed to the CJI about the videos contributed to their decision to oppose the proposed invitation.

For the students, the issue extends beyond a particular court proceeding. They argued that a convocation is a significant moment for law graduates and should reflect principles such as constitutional rights, access to justice and the protection of citizens’ grievances.

They said they would be uncomfortable receiving their degrees from a dignitary whose reported conduct, in their view, appeared dismissive of allegations of police excesses. They have therefore asked NALSAR to reconsider the proposal and consult the graduating batch before finalising the chief guest.

The controversy has also gained wider support on campus, with reports indicating that more than 450 students from different batches have backed the objection. However, the opposition does not represent the views of the entire student body.

There is also a legal qualification to the students’ account. CJI Surya Kant later disputed reports that the Supreme Court had simply refused to hear an urgent petition on the police action, clarifying that no formal writ petition seeking urgent intervention had been filed at that stage.

NALSAR has not publicly confirmed whether the invitation has been formally extended or whether the CJI has accepted it. The university is yet to announce its final decision, leaving the choice of convocation chief guest at the centre of an emerging debate over student dissent, judicial accountability and constitutional values.