Supreme Court: BCI has no disciplinary power over law students before enrolment

India's Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Bar Council of India (BCI) lacks statutory authority to discipline law students before they enroll as advocates, stating such control rests with their universities. The court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, said the Advocates Act, 1961, grants the BCI no express or implied powers over student conduct, with its jurisdiction beginning only after graduation and enrolment. The ruling came after BCI communications targeting NALSAR University students who protested the Chief Justice's convocation invitation. The court declared the BCI's August 13 communication and subsequent notices void, as the council had already withdrawn its proceedings. The case stemmed from a student petition opposing the Chief Justice's appearance, with the BCI initially barring the 2026 graduating batch from enrolment before reversing course.