The Law and Society Committee (LawSoc) of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, has decided to cancel the scheduled screening of the documentary Prisoner No. 626710 is Present, which focuses on activist Umar Khalid's incarceration.

The decision came after the organisers of the screening, who purposely intended to do so for the commemoration of Political Prisoners Day, faced 'serious threats of criminal action, intimidation, doxxing, and other forms of harassment', the communication sent by the committee to the students has mentioned.

The event, which was postponed to September 19, 2026 after it drew the ire of certain organisations for the controversial screening, proceeded with the rest of the programmes. In the mail, it was earlier stated that other programmes such as a discussion on 'UAPA: Bail & Beyond' with Prof. Radhika Chitkara, followed by an open-house arts evening with Ka'law'kriti would be conducted on the proposed day.

In a statement addressed to the studens, LawSoc stated as below:“... As LawSoc, we continue to be undeterred and committed deeply to questions of freedom and justice…Equally, we are committed to the safety and security of our own peers and the wider NLS community. Thus, after several rounds of discussions with the SBA and administration, we have decided not to proceed with the screening of the film…”

LawSoc maintained that they remain committed to engaging 'informatively and critically on the questions relating to criminal justice that the present moment raises'.

In a parallel development, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Bengaluru has issued a press release upon the the cancellation of the screening, adopting a hardline stance against the event.

The ABVP press release quotes Secretary Abhinandan Mirji stating that 'academic freedom cannot be used to shield subversive agendas targeting national sovereignty."

While acknowledging the need for vibrant campus spaces and free speech, the ABVP argued that premier legal institutions must not become platforms for individuals 'associated with glorifying attacks on our nation or advocating for the secession and fragmentation of Jammu and Kashmir'.

Previously, ABVP had urged the University administration in a letter to prevent the misuse of academic spaces for 'political or ideological propaganda'.