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NLSIU Restages Convocation With CJI Surya Kant October 17

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 4:55 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Surya Kant Presides

Chief Justice Surya Kant will preside over NLSIU’s 34th convocation on October 17.
Actor Arundhati Nag will be chief guest and deliver the convocation address.
Students and alumni protested the CJI’s and BCI Chairman Mishra’s participation, citing his NEET protest comments.
The ceremony runs 11 am-1 pm at Jnana Jyoti Auditorium, Bengaluru, and degrees may be received in person or absentia.

Summary

Students Protest Convocation

165 outgoing-batch students, 409 other students, and 128 alumni formally opposed the CJI’s convocation role.
The protest echoed a boycott at NALSAR University of Law over the CJI’s remarks on unemployed youth.
NLSIU announced convocation cancellation on August 27, citing “unavoidable circumstances.”
The university reversed the cancellation in early September, scheduling the ceremony for October 17.
A notice dated October 7 confirmed the CJI would attend as Chancellor, ending speculation.

History

Historical Context

In 1969 Associate Justice Abe Fortas resigned after a scandal over a $20,000 retainer from financier Louis Wolfson, prompting investigations by President Richard Nixon and campus protests. The episode spurred the American Bar Association to tighten rules on judges’ outside income. In October 2024, student backlash erupted when Justice Surya Kant’s NLSIU convocation speech drew protests, echoing the link between judicial controversy and campus activism.

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Surya Kant Presides

Chief Justice Surya Kant will preside over NLSIU’s 34th convocation on October 17.
Actor Arundhati Nag will be chief guest and deliver the convocation address.
Students and alumni protested the CJI’s and BCI Chairman Mishra’s participation, citing his NEET protest comments.
The ceremony runs 11 am-1 pm at Jnana Jyoti Auditorium, Bengaluru, and degrees may be received in person or absentia.

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