CJI Surya Kant’s Convocation Address Highlights Legal Ethics Amid Student-Led Controversy

On October 17 2026, the 34th annual convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru was held at the Jnana Jyoti Auditorium. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, serving as the university’s chancellor, delivered the presidential address.

Hear Before Judging, Disagree Without Denying Dignity: CJI Surya Kant At NLSIU 34th Convocation Ceremony ABP LiveThe Hindu'Hear before judging, uphold justice, disagree without denying dignity': CJI Surya Kant speaks of 'external forces' at NLSIU convocation Bar & Bench

The convocation had originally been scheduled for September 12 2026 but was cancelled on August 27 2026 citing “unavoidable circumstances.” The cancellation followed opposition from students, alumni and graduates who objected to the proposed attendance of CJI Surya Kant and Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. A statement signed on August 15 2026 by 165 graduating students, 409 current students and 128 alumni condemned the Bar Council’s order to halt enrolment of NALSAR University of Law graduates as “unconstitutional and illegal.” The dispute was linked to protests at NALSAR over the CJI’s remarks on youth protests, which had sparked the “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) movement. The university later reinstated the convocation for October 17, and the ceremony proceeded without reported protests.

Hear Before Judging, Disagree Without Denying Dignity: CJI Surya Kant At NLSIU 34th Convocation Ceremony Bar & BenchDisagree without denying dignity: CJI to graduates at Bengaluru law school The Hindu

• CJI Surya Kant framed law as a “living conversation” that evolves through the contributions of practitioners. He warned graduates against “compromising their principles for convenience” and urged them to let the wisdom of NLSIU guide them when “shortcuts” tempt.

ABP Live

• He announced a state-backed initiative to establish a dedicated coaching institute for judicial-service aspirants on the Racecourse campus.

Deccan Chronicle

• The university’s administration thanked parents, faculty and staff for their support and highlighted the late graduate Urvashi Krishnatra, who was unable to receive her degree.

Hindustan Times

The signed statement on August 15 also criticized the Bar Council’s actions against NALSAR students, arguing that such “unconstitutional and illegal” proceedings could not diminish the responsibility of the Council’s chairman.

Hear Before Judging, Disagree Without Denying Dignity: CJI Surya Kant At NLSIU 34th Convocation Ceremony

• Sources differ on the exact reason for the August 27 cancellation. Some describe it as “unavoidable circumstances,” while others link it directly to the student-led protest over the CJI’s attendance.

Bar & Bench

• The number of signatories to the August 15 statement is consistently reported, but the precise impact of the protest on the final convocation schedule remains unclear.

Hear Before Judging, Disagree Without Denying Dignity: CJI Surya Kant At NLSIU 34th Convocation Ceremony

• Convocation date: October 17 2026 (occurred).

Bar & Bench

• Original scheduled date: September 12 2026 (postponed).

Bar & Bench

• Cancellation announcement: August 27 2026.

Hear Before Judging, Disagree Without Denying Dignity: CJI Surya Kant At NLSIU 34th Convocation Ceremony

• Student-led statement signatories: 165 graduating students, 409 current students, 128 alumni (August 15 2026).

Hear Before Judging, Disagree Without Denying Dignity: CJI Surya Kant At NLSIU 34th Convocation Ceremony

• “A strong democracy is not one where everyone agrees with the government. A strong democracy is one where every citizen has the freedom to question the government. You are responsible. You are accountable. You all have the rights that our Constitution has given you. You have the power to rectify,” — Shivakumar, Karnataka chief minister

Deccan Chronicle

• “The legal profession is not for the faint-hearted,” — CJI Surya Kant, remarks against chief

ABP Live

These quotations capture the central themes of democratic responsibility, the ethical expectations of legal professionals, and the CJI’s characterization of the legal profession.

Bar & Bench