NALSAR Students Demand Reconsideration of CJI’s Invitation for Convocation Over Police Remarks

Students from the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) in Hyderabad have voiced their opposition to the university’s decision to invite Chief Justice Surya Kant as the chief guest for their upcoming convocation ceremony. Their concerns stem from his controversial remarks regarding police actions against protesters during a recent incident in Delhi.

On July 23, a group of 70 students from NALSAR’s outgoing batch formally approached the university’s administration, urging them to reconsider the invitation extended to Chief Justice Kant. Over the following days, this sentiment gained momentum, with approximately 380 additional students from upcoming graduating classes joining the call for a reassessment of the situation.

The university has not yet finalized its decision regarding the chief guest for the convocation. However, it is noteworthy that Chief Justice Kant has traditionally been the convocation speaker at NALSAR for several consecutive years. The students’ main contention arises from his response to a petition that challenged the police’s handling of protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20. When the matter was brought before him for urgent hearing, he reportedly dismissed the petitioners with the words, “Don’t waste our time and don’t waste your time,” which has since sparked outrage among the student body.

This incident is part of a broader context in which student protests and civil liberties have been increasingly scrutinized in India. The manner in which law enforcement manages dissenting voices has come under intense public debate, particularly in light of recent events. The students at NALSAR, many of whom are training to become legal professionals, are keenly aware of the implications of such remarks from a figure as prominent as the Chief Justice of India.

The collective sentiment among NALSAR’s students reflects a growing concern about the judiciary’s role in addressing issues related to police conduct and civil rights. They believe that inviting a chief justice who has expressed such views could undermine the values of justice and accountability they stand for. As the university deliberates on this matter, the outcome may have significant repercussions not just for NALSAR but also for the perception of academic institutions in India and their relationship with the judiciary.

Source: scroll.in