BCI Has No Power Over Law Students’ Conduct, Rules Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the Bar Council of India (BCI) does not have statutory authority to regulate or punish law students, stating that disciplinary matters involving students should be handled by their respective educational institutions.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana delivered the ruling while hearing a matter linked to the BCI’s action against students of Hyderabad-based NALSAR University of Law.
The controversy stemmed from objections raised by students over the proposed participation of the Chief Justice of India in the university’s convocation. Following the dispute, the BCI had issued directions concerning the enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates as advocates.
The Supreme Court set aside two notifications issued by the BCI in connection with the matter, although the council had withdrawn both notifications shortly after issuing them amid criticism.

The court observed that the BCI’s statutory regulatory authority comes into play when individuals enter the legal profession as advocates. It cannot exercise similar control over students who are still pursuing legal education.
The bench further said that if a law student is accused of misconduct, the concerned educational institution must examine the matter under its own rules and regulations.
The controversy intensified last month when the BCI directed state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR’s 2026 graduating students as advocates until further orders, citing allegations surrounding a campaign opposing the CJI’s proposed visit to the university.