A controversy has erupted at Hyderabad’s NALSAR Law University over the chief guest for the convocation. Students from the 2026 batch have protested against the invitation of CJI Surya Kant. Students allege that the Chief Justice’s attitude during recent public interest litigation hearings has been insensitive, contrary to the constitutional values of a law student.
Students allege that the Chief Justice’s attitude during recent public interest litigation hearings in court has been insensitive. Law students believe that this conduct of the CJI is contrary to the constitutional values and principles of justice they are taught at the university, and therefore, they do not wish to accept their degrees from him.
In July 2026, clashes broke out between protesting students and police at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. When the matter reached the Supreme Court, during the hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant refused to view video evidence of police brutality, stating, “We don’t have time to view it.” Furthermore, students allege that the CJI used words like “cockroach” to refer to young people and prevented the petitioner’s lawyer from completing his arguments.
Students from the 2026 batch have written a formal letter to the university’s Vice Chancellor (VC), Registrar, and professors, urging the administration to reconsider its decision. They argue that the convocation should be attended by someone who is sensitive to civil rights and justice.
No, the students have clarified in their letter that the official date of the convocation and the name of the chief guest have not yet been announced, but they want the administration to take the students’ objections and protests into account before making any final decision.
The students have clarified that their protest is not against the position or institution of the Chief Justice (CJI). Their protest is solely about the CJI’s personal conduct and statements within the court, and his alleged indifference to allegations of police brutality.