August’s Wave of Student Protests

August saw a wave of student protests across India’s top educational institutions, with demonstrations at NALSAR University of Law, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), IIT Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, and IISER Pune. The protests, each triggered by distinct campus issues, collectively reflect a renewed student activism focused on governance, accountability, and welfare.

NALSAR University of Law: CJI Invitation Sparks Backlash

At NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad, more than 400 students objected to the proposed presence of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at the university’s convocation. The students cited the refusal by a Supreme Court bench headed by CJI Kant to hear a plea on alleged police brutality during the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march. Despite the objections, NALSAR extended the invitation.

The controversy escalated when, on August 13, the Bar Council of India (BCI) directed state bar councils not to enrol NALSAR’s 2026 graduates as advocates until further notice. The BCI withdrew the order within hours and later announced that proceedings against the batch had been closed. CJI Kant subsequently clarified that he had never accepted NALSAR’s invitation and therefore had no plan to attend the ceremony.

NLSIU: Convocation Cancelled Amid Student Opposition

At the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, more than 700 graduating students, current students, and alumni signed a statement opposing the proposed attendance of CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra at the university’s convocation. The statement also demanded an apology from the BCI over its now-withdrawn direction regarding NALSAR’s graduates.

On August 27, NLSIU announced that its 2026 convocation would not be held, citing “unavoidable circumstances.” The decision applied to the 34th annual convocation for the 2026 graduating batch, with degrees to be conferred in absentia.

IIT Delhi: Student’s Death Triggers Protests and Probe

At the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, the death of Rishikesh Kumar, a 31-year-old MSc Physics student, by suicide on August 22, led to protests. Students demanded an independent inquiry, action against institute officials, and compensation for the family. The Delhi Police registered an FIR for abetment of suicide against unknown persons.

IIT Delhi initially constituted an external inquiry committee, then reconstituted it with retired Delhi High Court judge Justice Mukta Gupta as the head. Former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar, who had been appointed as the panel’s chair, recused himself citing “personal reasons.”

On August 27, hundreds of students marched towards the main gate in a late-night demonstration. IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee warned of disciplinary action against students “disrupting the peaceful functioning of the campus” by raising “threatening slogans.”

Jamia Millia Islamia: Sit-in Over Admissions and Examinations

At Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, students affiliated with the Jamia unit of the National Students’ Union of India held an indefinite sit-in demanding transparency in examination results, a review of admissions, and accountability for alleged irregularities in the admission process. The university suspended four students and barred them from entering the campus, saying they were part of an “unauthorised” sit-in at the central canteen.

IISER Pune: Indefinite Sit-in Over Suspension and Broader Concerns

At the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, students began an indefinite sit-in on August 27. The immediate trigger was the suspension of Student Council general secretary Raj Bagwe, initially for one year and later reduced to six months, linked to an earlier incident involving allegations of a “strip search” of students on campus.

The protest also followed the death of a student on campus, although police have not publicly provided details on the cause of death. Students raised broader concerns, including mental-health support, academic pressure, student spaces, hostel and campus rules, and student representation. They called for an open-house meeting rather than a discussion limited to a small group of representatives.