India’s National Newspaper since 1818 | Pages 16 | ` 5.00 | KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | BHUBANESWAR | LUCKNOW | SILIGURI | Saturday, 15 August 2026 SPORTS LOCAL Today, State renames Kanyashree as Kanyaratna Independence Day, being a holiday in the offices of The Statesman, there will be no issue of this edition dated 16 August 2026 Gambhir-led India chase redemption in 600th Test SATURDAY INTERVIEW ‘Delhi EV policy opens paths’ Page 3 Page 15 Page 9 Govt taking steps to reform exam system: President BCI’s NALSAR intervention ‘uncalled for’; no punitive action against students: CJI STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Disapproving of the Bar Council of India’s intervention in the controversy involving NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, students opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s proposed participation in its convo cation, the Supreme Court on Friday termed the BCI’s action “absolutely uncalled for” and directed that no punitive action be taken against the students or faculty. The Court took note that the BCI had withdrawn its communication restraining enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates as advocates. Heading a Bench also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana, Chief Justice Surya Kant made it clear that the issue was essentially between the students and him and did not warrant the BCI’s intervention. “Naturally this is absolutely uncalled for. It’s a dialogue between students and me. Who are they to raise an BRIEFLY New Delhi, 14 August 7 killed as water, debris flood Chamoli tunnel: resident Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is undertaking comprehensive steps to completely curb the use of unfair means in public examinations and make the system more transparent, secure and trustworthy for students and youth. The remarks came in her address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, against the backdrop of recent protests over the NEET paper leak. President Murmu described students as the “architects of India’s future” and called for collective efforts to safeguard their opportunities, wellbeing and aspirations. “Our students are the architects of India's future. Just as the government and society must remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of our students. Public examinations become gateways to the opportunities for our students,” she said. “The government is undertaking comprehensive steps to reform these Dehradun: At least seven workers died after a section of an under-construction tunnel of the Tehri Hydropower Development Corporation’s (THDC) Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydropower project collapsed due to a landslide, resulting in water flooding the tunnel, in the Mayapur area of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand late Thursday night. Although neither the Uttarakhand Disaster Management Department or any other other government agency has confirmed the death figures, a doctor at the Chamoli District Hospital told the media that seven persons out of 19 brought here were declared dead while remaining were undergoing treatment. One of the rescued workers was referred to the Base Hospital Srinagar as his condition was unstable. Page 7 P examinations. The objectives of these reforms are to completely curb the use of unfair means in public examinations, make the examination system more transparent, more secure, and more trustworthy for the youth,” she added. With 65 per cent of India’s population below the age of 35, the President described the country’s talented, skilled and innovative youth as its most valuable asset. She stressed the importance of physical and mental wellbeing, family and societal support, and sports in youth development and nation-building. President Murmu also highlighted India’s progress towards becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, asserting that the benefits of development must reach every person. She said emerging economic activities and government initiatives were opening new avenues for young people to succeed. Describing India becoming Maoism-free as a major achievement of the government, she said: “For decades, Maoism posed a serious challenge to the nation. Today, enthusiasm prevails in the areas once affected by Maoism. All-inclusive development is underway in these regions.” Commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas and the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, President Murmu praised the armed forces’ valour and precision in combating terrorism, warning terrorists and their supporters that they would face consequences. “That historic operation against terrorism demonstrated the capability of the Indian armed forces to act with precision. It sent a clear and firm message to terrorists and those who support them that no matter where they hide, they will have to face the consequences of their actions,” she said. PARMOD KUMAR New Delhi, 14 August issue? This is totally uncalled for. In my student days I have been actively involved in student activities. Assuming even if they are wrong, they have a right to protest. BCI doesn’t have any business,” Justice Kant said. “Even if during the young days someone makes a statement which is wrong, let that be wrong, but why should there be an action,” the CJI remarked. The observations came after senior advo cate K Parameshwar mentioned the matter before the Bench and questioned the BCI’s authority to intervene in what was taking place within a university. During the proceedings, counsel appearing for the BCI informed the Bench that the impugned communication had since been withdrawn. The Court nevertheless issued notice to the BCI, which was accepted by its counsel, and sought a counter-affidavit (response) within two weeks. Recording the withdrawal of the circular, the Court directed that, in the meantime, no punitive action be taken against any student or faculty member of a National Law University or law university. It specifically ordered that no punitive action be taken against NALSAR students in relation to the incidents referred to in the BCI communications. On 13 August, the BCI had asked NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, to submit an authenticated factual report on an alleged organised campaign concerning CJI Surya Kant’s proposed participation in the University’s convocation. It had simultaneously directed State Bar Councils not to enrol any student who obtained a law degree from NALSAR in 2026 until further orders.