'Strongly Reconsider': Hyderabad Law University Students Oppose CJI Surya Kant's Convocation Invite

Published 9 August 2026 · local

News india 'Strongly Reconsider': Hyderabad Law University Students Oppose Surya Kant's Convocation Invite 'Strongly Reconsider': Hyderabad Law University Students Oppose Surya Kant's Convocation Invite Published By, Last Updated: August 09, 2026, 21:47 IST NALSAR students sought reconsideration of Surya Kant’s proposed convocation invite over his reported Jantar Mantar hearing remarks. Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant (File Photo/ANI) A group of graduating students at the Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad, has asked the university administration to reconsider its reported plan to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for the upcoming convocation. In a statement submitted to the vice chancellor, registrar and faculty members, the students said the choice of chief guest should be consistent with the institution’s emphasis on constitutional rights, access to justice and the fair consideration of grievances. The students’ concern relates to the Supreme Court’s reported response to a plea seeking an urgent hearing over alleged police action against protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Students Raise Questions Over Jantar Mantar Hearing The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20, focused on issues surrounding the NEET examination and the functioning of the Testing Agency. According to the students’ representation, when lawyers sought an urgent listing of the matter on July 22, the reportedly told them, “Don’t waste our time, and don’t waste your time." “The representation further claims that when the lawyers offered to present video material showing alleged police excesses, the response was, “We are not interested in videos. We don’t have time to watch." The students also alleged that the counsel was interrupted while attempting to explain the circumstances surrounding the protest, with the reported remark, “Thank you very much." Students Cite Alleged Injuries To Protesters The representation said a separate petition, submitted in the form of a letter to the, had sought suo motu intervention by the Supreme Court over the alleged police action.

According to the students, the petition referred to injuries suffered by more than 170 protesters, including women and children. It also cited safeguards established by the Supreme Court in the DK Basu vs State of West Bengal case. The graduating students said they were uncomfortable with receiving their degrees from a dignitary whose recent conduct, as reported, appeared dismissive of allegations involving police action against protesters. “For us as a graduating batch," they said, such conduct “sits uncomfortably with what we have been taught to value during our time at NALSAR". The students have urged the university to “strongly reconsider" the proposed invitation and consult the graduating batch before formally extending it. They have also sought a meeting with the administration to discuss their concerns and requested a response, preferably by Monday. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom.