NLSIU 34th Convocation Rescheduled for October 17 After September Cancellation; CJI Surya Kant to Preside

NLSIU 34th Convocation: The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has officially postponed its 34th Annual Convocation ceremony to October 17, 2026, due to cancellation of the earlier ceremony scheduled on September 12, owing to student protests. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who is the Chancellor of NLSIU, will chair the ceremony, whereas Padma Shri recipient and celebrated theatre artist Arundhati Nag will be delivering the convocation address.

This is in line with the decision to postpone the event, which was previously scheduled but cancelled due to opposition by graduating students regarding invitees and internal differences among the administration of NLSIU. After consultations between the CJI Surya Kant and NLSIU's administration, the convocation ceremony has been finalized to be held physically in Jnana Jyothi Auditorium, at the Central College Campus in Bengaluru. However, in light of the earlier dispute among the students and for those students not attending the convocation ceremony physically, NLSIU has also made provisions for awarding degrees in absentia. At the convocation ceremony, the NLSIU Annual Report will be presented by Prof. (Dr) Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice-Chancellor of NLSIU.

The September Cancellation Controversy

• Initial Protests & Solidarity: The convocation ceremony was initially scheduled for September 12, 2026. But there was a protest from more than 700 NLSIU students and alums against the planned involvement of CJI Surya Kant and Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra in the ceremony.

• Student Dialogue & Compromise: CJI Surya Kant personally addressed the concerns of the graduating NLSIU students in a meeting. After that, most students voted in favor of attending the convocation ceremony on the condition that BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra would not be part of the ceremony.

• Final Standoff & Cancellation: There was a fresh confrontation between the two parties when the graduating batch refused to give an invitation letter to the CJI. Ultimately, the convocation ceremony for September 12 was cancelled by NLSIU citing "unavoidable circumstances."

• October 17 Convocation Ceremony: With the approval of the governing council led by the CJI, NLSIU decided to hold the formal convocation ceremony on October 17. The university also gave students an option to graduate in absentia.

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