Indian law graduates oppose CJI Surya Kant as convocation chief guest

Graduates of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research in Hyderabad have urged the university

Graduates of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research in Hyderabad have urged the university administration to reconsider its decision to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at its upcoming convocation.

The students have submitted a written request to the vice chancellor, registrar and faculty members. They said the university should consider constitutional values, justice and respect for citizens’ grievances while deciding who should preside over such an important academic event.

The students’ concerns are linked to the Supreme Court’s handling of a petition related to police action during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20.

The protest was held under the banner of “Chalo Sansad”. The students have raised questions about the court’s decision not to list the petition for an urgent hearing at the time.

In their representation, the graduates referred to reports about a hearing held on July 22. They claimed that the lawyer representing the protesters was told not to waste the court’s time.

The students also cited reports that the lawyer offered to show videos of alleged police excesses during the protest. According to the petition, the chief justice reportedly declined to watch the footage, saying he did not have time.

The graduates further alleged that the lawyer was not allowed to fully explain the reasons behind the protest. They said the matter deserved greater consideration because of the allegations surrounding the police action.

The students also said a separate letter had previously been sent to the chief justice. The letter reportedly requested the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of the alleged police action.

According to the students’ petition, more than 170 protesters were injured during the incident. They claimed that women and children were also among those injured.

The graduates said their concerns were based on the principles they had been taught during their time at the law university. They argued that constitutional rights and citizens’ freedoms were central to their legal education.

They said receiving degrees from a chief guest whose recent conduct they believe raises questions about the handling of allegations of police violence would be a matter of concern.

The students have therefore asked the university to reconsider the invitation. They have also sought consultation with graduating students before making a final decision.

They further requested a meeting with the university administration to discuss the issue. The graduates also asked the administration to respond to their concerns without delay.