BCI Co-Chairman Demands Resignation of Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra Amid Allegations of Mismanagement

Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman and senior advocate Y R Sadasiva Reddy has called for the immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. In a letter dated August 22, Reddy alleged that Mishra has engaged in mismanagement, nepotism, and the diversion of funds. Specifically, Reddy claimed that a new trust, BCI Trust PEARL First, was created to replace a previous institution and that 150 crore rupees in BCI funds were transferred to it. He further alleged that some law colleges were required to make contributions ranging from 25 lakh to 1 crore rupees to this trust for approvals or renewals.

Reddy also raised concerns regarding staff appointments, asserting that several employees are personally connected to Mishra and that these appointments lacked a transparent recruitment process. Another point of contention is a directive issued by Mishra on August 13, which asked state Bar councils not to enrol students from the 2026 batch of NALSAR University of Law. This directive followed a campaign opposing the invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to the university convocation. While Mishra later withdrew the circular, Reddy argued the action was a reprisal for independence of thought and was issued without proper Council deliberation.

Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has dismissed these allegations as personally and politically motivated, stating they have no substance. He challenged Reddy to prove the claims and asserted that more than two thirds of BCI members continue to support him. Mishra also defended the BCI Trust, stating its accounts are audited annually and made available in the public domain.

Beyond the internal dispute, Mishra's tenure has been challenged in the Supreme Court by advocate Yogamaya MG. The petition argues that Mishra's continuous hold on the office since 2012 violates BCI Rules, which prescribe a two year limit for the Chairman's term. The petition also questions Mishra's political activities, noting his 2024 nomination to the Rajya Sabha by the BJP. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has supported the calls for resignation, leading to a public exchange where Mishra condemned the party for referring to lawyers as legal cockroaches.