A section of graduating students at National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University, Hyderabad, has urged the administration to reconsider its reported proposal to invite Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant as the chief guest for the upcoming convocation.
In a representation to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and faculty, the students emphasised that the ceremony should reflect the university's commitment to "constitutional rights, access to justice, and reasoned engagement with grievances."
What's Behind Students' Objection?
The students' objection stems from the Supreme Court's reported refusal to urgently list a plea regarding police action against protesters during the July 2020 "Chalo Sansad" demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The protest was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over issues including the conduct of the NEET examination and the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA).
In their representation, the students cited news reports alleging that youth were called "cockroaches" and noted that when the matter was mentioned for urgent hearing on July 22, the CJI told counsel, "Don't waste our time, and don't waste your time."
When the lawyer offered video evidence of the alleged police action, the CJI responded, "We are not interested in videos. We don't have time to watch".
The representation also claims that the counsel was cut short while explaining the issues behind the protest, with the reported remark, "Thank you very much."
The students also noted that a separate petition in the form of a letter had already been addressed to the CJI, seeking the Supreme Court's suo motu intervention into the matter. The petition cited injuries to more than 170 protesters, including women and children, and referred to safeguards laid down in DK Basu v. State of West Bengal.
Students Request Administration Reconsider Convocation Guest Choice
According to NDTV, the graduating batch of students said that receiving degrees from a dignitary whose recent public conduct, "as reported, appears dismissive of serious allegations of police brutality against protesting citizens, sits uncomfortably with what we have been taught to value during our time at NALSAR."
The batch urged the university to 'strongly reconsider' the decision and consult the graduating batch before extending any invitation. Additionally, they sought an opportunity to discuss the matter with the administration and asked for a response, preferably by Monday.