NLSIU Convocation: CJI Surya Kant to Preside Over October 17 Ceremony

A day late, but significant in the context of the controversy surrounding the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru’s 2026 Convocation, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will preside over the ceremony on October 17 in his capacity as the Chancellor of the University. As per reports, Arundhati Nag, Co-Founder and Artistic Advisor of Ranga Shankara, will be the Chief Guest and deliver the Convocation Address.  

The development is notable as NLSIU had earlier cancelled its 34th Annual Convocation, which was scheduled for 12th September 2026, citing only “unavoidable circumstances.” The cancellation came amid objections from a section of students and alumni to the proposed presence of CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, against the backdrop of the NALSAR controversy.  

As reported earlier by Law Chronicle, students and alumni had expressed solidarity with NALSAR students and questioned the participation of the CJI and BCI Chairman at their convocation. The episode also became a larger discussion around student dissent, institutional authority and the space for disagreement within legal education institutions. 

With the October 17 ceremony now confirmed, the NLSIU convocation has effectively returned to the calendar, with the CJI set to preside, rather than serve as Chief Guest.