What happened: NALSAR students request not to invite the Chief Justice of India for a convocation
A large group of students from NALSAR University (NALSAR) has asked NALSAR University to not invite the Chief Justice of India for the upcoming convocation. The students present the request as a protest against the judiciary’s current role and actions and cite recent events and public controversy as the reason for their stance. The students’ position also argues that the convocation should not be used for political messaging.
Background and earlier position: judicial independence and respect for constitutional offices in public functions
The Chief Justice of India is the head of the Supreme Court of India and a constitutional office-holder. In practice, constitutional office-holders participate in formal public and institutional functions as part of protocol and institutional respect. At the same time, public criticism and debate about judicial functioning are part of a democratic society, especially when the judiciary is seen to affect major public issues.
University convocations are academic ceremonies used to award degrees and mark institutional milestones. The presence or absence of a senior constitutional office-holder in such ceremonies can be viewed as either (a) continuation of institutional protocol and dignity, or (b) an avoidable symbol during periods of intense public controversy about judicial performance.
What changed now: student action targets a specific convocation invitation
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