The Bar Council of India (BCI) has no authority or competence to take any punitive or disciplinary action against law students, according to the Supreme Court of India.
Only registered advocates are subject to its disciplinary authority under the Advocates Act of 1961.
The Supreme Court’s ruling was made in response to a petition filed by two former NALSAR graduates who wanted to sue the Bar Council of India and its chairperson, Manan Kumar Mishra, for abandoning a plan to prohibit the professional enrollment of students from the 2026 batch because they objected to having the Chief Justice of India attend their convocation.
The petition had said the BCI letters created a chilling effect on the freedom of speech and expression and the freedom of association among students.
Mr. Mishra, who appeared in court, said the letters issued to both NALSAR, directing an enquiry against the students and the State Bar Councils to penalise students by barring them from enrolment as advocates were withdrawn immediately.
He said there was no reason for further cause of action. The court declared the letters to be obsolete.
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