New Delhi, Aug 10 : A section of students at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, has asked the university administration to reconsider its proposed decision to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for its forthcoming convocation.
According to a report by the Times of India, at least six representations have been submitted by students from different batches, raising objections to the proposed invitation. The students have cited reported remarks attributed to the CJI during a hearing concerning allegations of police excesses against participants of a ‘Chalo Sansad’ protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The first representation was submitted on July 23 to the vice-chancellor, registrar, professors and other university authorities. The students referred to remarks reportedly made during the court proceedings, including the CJI’s response to an offer by counsel to present videos related to the alleged police action.
The students argued that the reported comments were inconsistent with the constitutional principles they believe should guide an institution dedicated to legal education.
They said a convocation should reflect the university’s commitment to constitutional rights, access to justice and reasoned consideration of grievances. According to the students, receiving their degrees from a dignitary whose reported conduct has raised concerns over the handling of allegations involving protesters would conflict with values emphasised during their legal education.
Five more representations were subsequently submitted by students from various batches. These communications reportedly endorsed the concerns raised in the initial representation and urged the administration to consider them before making a final decision on the chief guest.
The students said they had not received a response from the university. Attempts to contact NALSAR Vice-Chancellor Srikrishna Deva Rao were unsuccessful, while the registrar told the newspaper that he was unaware of the representations.
Students also claimed that the submissions had attracted support from hundreds of their peers. One student, who is a member of the Student Bar Council, said each representation carried approximately 70 to 80 signatures, taking the combined figure to an estimated 350 to 450. These numbers, however, could not be independently verified.
“We respect the CJI’s position. But we have been taught the Constitution and constitutional values, and we don’t want to support something that goes against those values,” a student told the Times of India.
Another student said the group remained willing to engage with the university administration and discuss the matter through a meeting with student representatives or any other mechanism considered appropriate by the institution.
The CJI has traditionally delivered the convocation address at NALSAR. However, the date for the convocation of the 2026-27 batch has not yet been finalised.
With the university yet to confirm the event date or formally settle the chief guest, students said there remains an opportunity for the administration to engage with their concerns before making a final decision.