National Law School of India University (NLSIU) has cancelled its 34th annual convocation for the graduating batch of 2026, citing “unavoidable circumstances”.

The announcement follows opposition from students and alumni to the attendance of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at the ceremony, proposed for September 12.

In a letter to graduating students, the university registrar said the ceremony could not be held despite efforts to organise it. The university did not elaborate on the circumstances behind the cancellation.

Graduating students will receive their degrees in absentia following approval from the university’s governing bodies. They can choose to receive their certificates by courier or collect them on campus.

In an August 15 statement, students and alumni condemned the BCI’s subsequently withdrawn order to halt the enrolment of students from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, and expressed solidarity with them.

The statement, signed by 165 graduating students, 409 current students and 128 alumni, said the closure of proceedings against NALSAR did not diminish concerns about the BCI’s actions or the responsibility of its chairman.

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