The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru has cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation, originally scheduled for September 12, 2026, following significant opposition from students and alumni regarding the invited chief guest. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant was slated to attend the ceremony, leading to the backlash. The university announced that it could not proceed with the event due to “unavoidable circumstances” and that graduating students would receive their degrees in absentia instead.

Over 700 individuals from the NLSIU community opposed the presence of both CJI Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. The decision to call off the entire convocation is notable, as it signals the extent of dissent surrounding the invitation of high-profile figures to such events. Instead of merely replacing the chief guest, the university opted to forgo the ceremony entirely.

TISS Reschedules Convocation

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) also faced challenges regarding their convocation plans. Initially scheduled for August 2, the 86th convocation was postponed, citing “unforeseen circumstances”. Reports indicate that there were mounting concerns about potential protests linked to the invitation extended to CJI Surya Kant as chief guest.

Ultimately, TISS rescheduled the ceremony for August 22, opting for Dr C.S. Pramesh, the director of Tata Memorial Hospital, to replace the Chief Justice. Unlike NLSIU, TISS managed to conduct its event, albeit with changes in both the date and the chief guest, reflecting sensitivity to the prevailing campus climate.

These incidents highlight an evolving dynamic within university environments, with students voicing their concerns over the choice of ceremonial figures. The atmosphere appears increasingly charged, influencing decisions around such institutions’ public ceremonies.

NALSAR Students Express Dissent

Similarly, at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), hundreds of students expressed their opposition to the alleged invitation extended to the CJI. The dissatisfaction stemmed from concerns regarding the Chief Justice’s handling of legal proceedings tied to protests in Delhi and his reported remarks.

This controversy escalated when the BCI briefly instructed state bar councils not to enroll graduates from NALSAR’s class of 2026. The directive was subsequently rescinded, but it underscored the tensions surrounding the situation. The CJI later stated that he had never accepted the invitation, which added further complexity to the unfolding events.

The recent disputes across various universities have raised broader questions about institutional autonomy, student voices, and the legitimacy of protest within academic settings. The administration’s responses to these controversies may shape future policy and student engagement.

OP Jindal Global University Adjusts Convocation

OP Jindal Global University has also changed its convocation arrangements in light of these developments. The university clarified that the CJI had not accepted the invitation to preside over the ceremony as initially reported.

As a result, Justice P.S. Narasimha was appointed to oversee the event. This adjustment occurred concurrently with the controversies involving NALSAR and TISS, demonstrating a common trend among institutions adapting to student sentiment and the broader socio-political landscape.

The recent developments concerning university convocations suggest a significant shift in campus politics, where ceremonial roles hold greater weight than mere tradition. Graduating students increasingly view chief guests as reflective of their university’s values, which may influence their willingness to celebrate or critique those chosen for such significant events.

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