Over 440 NALSAR alumni condemn BCI’s directives against students

Over 440 alumni of NALSAR University of Law have strongly criticised the Bar Council of India’s directive halting enrolment of its students in State Bar Councils and seeking a report from the varsity.

Hyderabad: The NALSAR University of Law alumni condemned the Bar Council of India (BCI)’s recent directions to stop enrolment of the university students in State Bar Councils besides seeking a report from the university over concerns raised by some sections of students who opposed the Chief Justice of India being invited as the chief guest for the varsity convocation.

In an open letter to BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, 441 alumni said they were writing to condemn the manner in which he approached the question of students, faculty and the autonomy of universities.

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The alumni said the BCI’s communications to the university reflect a lack of empathy for students and their mental health, disregard for the fundamental right to free speech and a tendency to deal with matters of young students and academic faculty in an arbitrary and high-handed manner.

“The students of NALSAR had communicated their opinion to their Vice Chancellor. This was a matter internal to NALSAR. It was no occasion for a statutory body entrusted with regulating the profession and the standards of legal education to call for a witch hunt of students and faculty,” the letter read.