Bar Council of India Chairman faces resignation demand and legal challenges

The Bar Council of India (BCI) is facing internal turmoil as Co-Chairman YR Sadashiva Reddy has demanded the immediate resignation of Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. Reddy cited several allegations, including the diversion of approximately Rs 150 crore in Council funds to a private trust named ‘BCI Trust PEARL – First’, irregular appointments of family members, and a lack of transparency in governance.

A central point of contention is a recently withdrawn directive that threatened to bar the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law from legal enrolment following student protests regarding the Chief Justice of India’s attendance at a convocation. Reddy alleged this decision was made without consulting the Council.

In response, Mishra has defended his tenure, stating he has been repeatedly elected and that the Advocates Act does not impose term limits. He dismissed the resignation calls as a ‘political vendetta’ and a ‘political stunt,’ asserting he has the support of the country’s 2.5 million lawyers.

Simultaneously, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging Mishra’s continued tenure. The plea seeks fresh elections, the implementation of term limits, and an independent audit of the BCI’s finances, arguing that administrative notifications cannot extend a term beyond the limits prescribed by BCI Rules.