On the eve of Indian Independence Day, the reminder issued by Justice RH Jackson in the United States feels unusually close to home. “Freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much,” he said.Universities are supposed to be institutions where that freedom is exercised vigorously – law universities especially so. Students are trained to question power and ask institutions to justify what they do. That makes the controversy that exploded at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad this week especially ironic.On Thursday, a series of events that had started with an internal representation by graduating students objecting to a proposal to invite the chief justice of India to be the chief guest at their convocation prompted an action that was completely arbitrary.The invitation to Justice Surya Kant had been opposed because of his reported response to a petition about alleged police brutality against young protesters marching to Parliament in Delhi on July 20. On July 22, a bench headed by Kant refused to urgently hear the petition. “Don’t waste our time and don’t waste your time,” Kant reportedly said.On Thursday, Manan Kumar Mishra, the chairperson of the Bar Council of India directed state bar councils not to enrol any NALSAR students graduating in 2026 and sought details of those who had drafted, organised, supported or advised the campaign.The Bar Council of India regulates the legal practice and legal education in the country. Holders of law degrees who wish to appear as advocates before Indian courts must be enrolled by state bar councils.Mishra’s order prompted an outcry, forcing the Bar Council to modify it within hours. First, the blanket ban on enrollments was withdrawn, though the Bar Council asked NALSAR officials to submit a report within three days about the persons involved in mobilising the “organised campaign” against the invitation to the chief justice.But early on Friday morning, even this caveat was cancelled.After considering the representations and reactions of Senior Advocates, learned members of the Bar, law students and public spirited citizens, and being satisfied that the 2026 batch of NALSAR, Hyderabad, had no role in any disturbance or movement, the Bar Council of India has…— Manan Kumar Mishra (@MishraManan01) August 13, 2026