Supreme Court strikes down BCI orders, says no power to regulate student conduct

The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Bar Council of India has no statutory authority to regulate law student conduct, striking down two BCI orders against students at Nalsar University of Law in Hyderabad. The BCI orders had initially directed state councils to deny enrollment to Nalsar's 2026 graduates as advocates, following student protests against Chief Justice Surya Kant's proposed convocation appearance. The council later withdrew that directive but maintained an inquiry. The dispute began when students submitted representations citing the CJI's remarks during a hearing on alleged police excesses at a July 20 march. The BCI had accused staff of instigating students, drawing criticism from legal fraternity figures.