Hyderabad: Students at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research in Hyderabad are strongly opposing the proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for their upcoming convocation ceremony. More than 450 graduating students from the 2026 batch have formally submitted a petition to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and faculty members, urging them to reconsider the choice of chief guest.
The pushback stems from recent judicial observations and comments that students argue run counter to core constitutional values and academic freedom. The turning point came during a court hearing regarding alleged police violence against peaceful demonstrators at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice remarked that the court did not have time to review video evidence showing the incident, alongside making controversial remarks regarding young protesters.
In their representation, the law graduates expressed deep disapproval of the judiciary’s apparent indifference toward public movements and police brutality. The students highlighted that the convocation holds immense emotional and personal milestone value in their lives, and they have no desire to receive their degree certificates from the Chief Justice under these circumstances. University authorities have not yet issued an official response to the petition filed by the students.
