Bar Deserves Better': BCI Co-Chairman Demands Manan Mishra's Resignation

Bar Council of India Co-Chairman YR Sadasiva Reddy Demands Resignation of Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra

Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman YR Sadasiva Reddy has demanded the resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, citing several allegations including the diversion of funds, nepotism in appointments, and the recent controversy surrounding NALSAR University of Law. In a six-page letter addressed to Mishra, Reddy made grave allegations such as the diversion of Rs. 150 crores of Council funds to a private trust controlled by the Chairman, and the appointment of family members to key positions without any transparent process.

Reddy alleged that a new trust - under the name 'BCI Trust PEARL - FIRST' - was registered on September 17, 2020, after the BCI Trust was deliberately allowed to fall into disuse. He alleged that the trustees of the new trust were handpicked by Chairman Mishra. Reddy said that he knows of no provision under the Advocates Act, 1961 that allows a statutory regulator's funds to be moved to a private trust set up by its own Chairman. Reddy also alleged that law colleges in the country, seeking approval or renewal, were pressured to contribute to the Trust.

On the NALSAR row, Reddy said, "That single act... Has done more damage to the standing of this Council than anything else in its history." The controversy surrounding NALSAR University of Law began after the BCI directed State Bar Councils not to enrol the university's 2026 graduating batch following an episode concerning students expressing an opinion relating to their convocation. The move drew criticism and was subsequently withdrawn, with proceedings against the students closed.

Manan Kumar Mishra's Response

Manan Kumar Mishra rejected calls for his resignation, saying he was elected to the post and represents around 25 lakh lawyers across the country. "I have served as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India for 12 to 14 years because I was elected. Manan Mishra represents 25 lakh lawyers; he will not step down simply," Mishra said. Mishra's remarks came a day after members of different Bar Associations of Delhi gathered outside the BCI office in New Delhi, demanding his resignation over several issues concerning the legal fraternity.

Allegations and Demands

Reddy has set out eight grounds for seeking Mishra's resignation, including the BCI's handling of the recent NALSAR controversy, appointments to the BCI establishment, the transfer of Rs 150 crore from the BCI to BCI Trust PEARL-First, and complaints that law colleges seeking approval or renewal were being asked to make contributions to PEARL-First. Reddy has also sought a special meeting of the BCI, a special audit of the Council and BCI Trust PEARL-First, and an immediate halt to contributions, donations or payments from law colleges, universities or their managements.

Reddy said that he had no personal animosity towards Mishra and had served alongside him for a decade. "There are able persons in this Council capable of restoring it. Standing down now, of your own accord, is the one course still open to you that would be to your credit," the letter read. Reddy argued that the BCI is a statutory body, not the personal property of any individual, and called for greater transparency around its finances, staff and dealings with law colleges and universities.

BCI Chairman's Leadership and Accountability

The pressure on Mishra has also escalated within the BCI itself. Reddy's demand for Mishra's resignation cites the NALSAR episode, alleged diversion of ₹150 crore in funds and questioned certain appointments. Reddy said that he was writing not as an adversary but as an elected member of the BCI and a lawyer with more than three decades in the profession.

Mishra’s refusal to resign cannot by itself settle legitimate questions about the BCI’s decisions, finances or accountability. With criticism now coming from protesters as well as a serving BCI Co-Chairman, an independent and transparent examination could help separate verified concerns from political rhetoric and restore confidence in the institution. As Reddy said, "The Bar of this country deserves better than what it is presently receiving from its own Council. I ask you to allow it that opportunity."