BCI Co-Chair Seeks Chairman Manan Mishra’s Resignation, Cites NALSAR Row: ‘The Bar Deserves Better’
A fresh leadership dispute has emerged within the Bar Council of India (BCI) after its Co-Chairman and senior advocate Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy called for the resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. In a six-page letter dated August 22, Reddy raised concerns over the council's functioning and said the legal profession deserves stronger leadership.
Reddy's demand comes days after a major controversy involving NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad. The dispute has intensified scrutiny of the BCI's decision-making process and the powers exercised by its chairman.
NALSAR Controversy At Centre
The latest confrontation follows a BCI communication issued on August 13 directing State Bar Councils not to enrol the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR as advocates. The action came after some students objected to the invitation extended to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to attend the university's convocation.
The directive was subsequently withdrawn, and Mishra issued an apology to law students. He said that students must be free to express their views and acknowledged that the controversy had caused concern.
However, the withdrawal of the order did not end the controversy. Several lawyers' groups and members of the legal community continued to question the BCI's handling of the matter. Lawyers also staged protests demanding Mishra's resignation.
Serious Allegations Raised
In his letter, Reddy made several serious allegations concerning the administration of the BCI. According to the letter, he questioned the alleged diversion of ₹150 crore of council funds to a newly created private trust and raised concerns about appointments involving family members and the lack of transparent selection procedures.
Reddy also alleged that some law colleges seeking approval or renewal from the BCI were being asked to make contributions to the trust. These are allegations made by the BCI co-chairman and have not been established as facts by a court.
The letter also criticised the decision-making surrounding the NALSAR directive, particularly the decision to restrict enrolment of an entire graduating batch.
Growing Pressure On BCI Leadership
The resignation demand adds to growing pressure on Mishra. Earlier, lawyers' collectives representing hundreds of advocates had also called for his resignation over the NALSAR episode, arguing that the action demonstrated weak leadership.
The controversy has now expanded beyond the original NALSAR dispute into broader questions about transparency, accountability and institutional decision-making within the BCI.
For the legal community, the coming days could be significant as the council faces questions from within its own leadership. Whether Mishra will respond to Reddy's resignation demand or whether the issue will lead to further action within the BCI remains to be seen.
