New Delhi: NLSIU Convocation Cancellation has sparked a fresh debate in India’s legal education community. The Student Bar Council of National Law University (NLU) Delhi has urged the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, to reconsider its decision to cancel the 34th Annual Convocation.
The student body said graduating students should not lose their convocation ceremony because of differences in opinion regarding invited guests and emphasized the importance of student autonomy and freedom of expression.
NLSIU Convocation Cancellation: NLU Delhi Student Body Extends Support To NLSIU Students
The Governing Council of the Student Bar Council of NLU Delhi expressed solidarity with the graduating students of NLSIU. In a statement issued on August 28, the Council urged the university administration to review the cancellation decision and ensure that students get an opportunity to celebrate their graduation through a formal convocation ceremony.
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The Council stated that students should not be deprived of this important milestone because of disagreements over the participation of invited dignitaries.
What is the Reason of NLSIU Convocation Cancellation
NLSIU had scheduled its 34th Annual Convocation for September 12, 2026. However, the university later announced that the event would not be held due to what it described as “unavoidable circumstances.” Graduating students would instead receive their degrees “in absentia.”
The cancellation followed opposition from a section of students regarding the participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in the ceremony. The concerns were linked to remarks made by the CJI about student protests.
Student Body Defends Freedom Of Expression
The Student Bar Council acknowledged that the Chief Justice of India holds an important position as the ex-officio Chancellor of NLSIU. At the same time, it argued that graduating students should have the freedom to express collective opinions about matters related to their convocation.
According to the Council, administrative authority over a convocation should not extend to controlling students’ collective expression or viewpoints.
NLSIU Convocation Is More Than A Degree Ceremony
The NLU Delhi student body highlighted that a convocation marks the culmination of years of academic effort. It provides graduating students an opportunity to celebrate with their families, friends, faculty members, and others who supported them throughout their legal education journey. The Council emphasized that awarding degrees in absentia cannot fully replace the significance of a shared graduation ceremony.
NLSIU Convocation Cancellation: NLSIU Urged To Explore Alternative Solutions
The statement referred to earlier NLSIU convocations where other Supreme Court judges represented the Chancellor. Based on these past examples, the Council suggested that the university could explore alternative arrangements that respect the office of the Chancellor while also considering the concerns raised by graduating students. It called upon the administration to find a balanced solution instead of cancelling the entire event.
Background Of The NLSIU Convocation Cancellation Dispute
Before the cancellation, students and alumni had raised objections to the proposed participation of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra in the convocation. Reports indicated that hundreds of students and alumni voiced concerns and demanded reconsideration of the guest list.
Following the controversy, NLSIU announced that certificates would be delivered through courier or collected from the campus.
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FAQs
The Student Bar Council of NLU Delhi has asked NLSIU to reconsider the cancellation and ensure graduating students receive an opportunity to attend a formal convocation ceremony.
NLSIU said the convocation was cancelled due to “unavoidable circumstances.” The decision came amid controversy over the participation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and opposition from some students.
Yes. NLSIU has stated that degrees will be awarded in absentia, and certificates will either be sent by courier or collected from the campus.
