Supreme Court of India declares Bar Council of India (BCI) has no jurisdiction or power to initiate any disciplinary or punitive action against law students. Its disciplinary powers under the Advocates Act, 1961, are limited only to registered advocates.

The order from the Supreme Court came in a petition filed by two former NALSAR graduates seeking legal action against the Bar Council of India and chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra for its aborted move to ban the professional enrolment of the 2026 batch students over their objection to have the CJI as chief guest for their convocation.

The petition had said the BCI letters created a chilling effect on the freedom of speech and expression and the freedom of association among students. Mr. Mishra, who appeared in court, said the letters issued to both NALSAR, directing an enquiry against the students and the State Bar Councils to penalise students by barring them from enrolment as advocates were withdrawn immediately.

He said there was no reason for further cause of action. The court declared the letters to be obsolete.