Amid the ongoing controversy involving law students, Bar Council of India Chairman and Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra has issued a conciliatory message on Independence Day, expressing sincere regret and apologising if his words or letter hurt the feelings of students. Emphasising that students’ concerns must be heard with patience, sensitivity and respect, Mishra urged them to independently assess the entire issue without pressure or external influence and called for dialogue, mutual respect and reconciliation.
Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman and Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, Manan Kumar Mishra, has appealed to law students to approach the ongoing controversy with fairness, patience and an open mind, while stressing that their decisions must remain independent and free from external pressure.
In a letter issued on the occasion of Independence Day, Mishra extended greetings to members of the legal fraternity and particularly to law students across the country. He acknowledged that developments over the past few days had caused concern and anguish among a section of the student community.
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BCI Chairman Expresses Regret to Students
Addressing the concerns of students, Mishra stated that whenever students feel hurt or aggrieved, their concerns deserve to be heard with “patience, sensitivity and respect.”
He further said that if anything connected with the controversy, including his words or letter, had hurt the feelings of law students, he “sincerely regrets and apologises” for the same.
According to the BCI Chairman, expressing regret should not be viewed as a matter of prestige or ego, but rather as an acknowledgement that the feelings and concerns of students matter.
Law Students Must Be Free to Take Their Own Decisions
Mishra highlighted the important role played by National Law Universities (NLUs) and other leading Centres of Legal Education in India’s legal education system.
He described law students as informed and discerning young citizens who study the Constitution, Rule of Law, fairness and the importance of hearing all sides before reaching a conclusion.
The BCI Chairman emphasised that students are capable of applying their own independent minds and “do not require anyone to decide for them.” He also stressed that they should not be subjected to pressure or influence from any quarter.
He noted that students currently studying at leading law universities will go on to become Advocates, Senior Advocates, teachers, scholars and judges, with some potentially occupying the highest positions in India’s legal and judicial system. Their decisions, therefore, can have significance beyond the immediate controversy.
“Students Must Always Remain Free to Express Their Views”
Mishra also defended the importance of peaceful disagreement, questioning and protest in a constitutional democracy.
He stated that students must always remain free to express their views. At the same time, he said that when additional facts or clarifications emerge, issues should be reconsidered objectively and with an open mind.
He stressed that there is no contradiction between raising a genuine grievance and subsequently considering a clarification fairly.
Appeal Over Convocation Participation
The BCI Chairman also addressed the issue of students’ participation in convocation ceremonies.
Describing convocation as a special occasion marking years of hard work and an important transition in a student’s life, Mishra said that the decision to participate must ultimately remain with the students themselves.
He clarified that no student should be compelled either to attend or to abstain. His appeal was that students should make the decision independently after considering the entire matter and exercising their own judgment.
BCI Calls for Dialogue and Reconciliation
Mishra emphasised that the relationship between the Judiciary, Bar, Universities and law students is deeper and more enduring than any temporary controversy.
While acknowledging that differences and strong opinions may arise, he said such differences should ultimately be capable of resolution through dialogue, clarification and mutual respect.
The BCI Chairman reiterated that the Bar Council of India regards law students as the future of the legal profession and that their dignity, independent thinking and legitimate concerns must be respected.
At the same time, he said dialogue, mutual respect and constitutional values remain equally important for the legal profession that students are preparing to enter.
“Issue Should Not Acquire Political or Extraneous Colour”
Calling for reconciliation, Mishra expressed hope that the controversy would now be considered fairly and without bitterness.
He urged that the issue should not acquire a political or extraneous colour through outside influence. According to him, law students are mature enough to examine the facts, consider the clarification offered and arrive at their own independent decisions.
He further appealed to institutions to respect students’ independence of thought and leave room for dialogue and moving forward.
Independence Day Message for the Legal Community
Concluding his letter, Mishra said that independent thought, mutual respect and constitutional responsibility represent an important message that can be reaffirmed on Independence Day.
He once again extended Independence Day greetings to law students, teachers, members of the Bar and citizens.
The letter was signed by Manan Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Chairman, Bar Council of India.
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