BCI Co-Chair Seeks Manan Mishra’s Resignation
Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman and Senior Advocate YR Sadasiva Reddy has demanded the resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, raising allegations over financial management, appointments and the recent controversy involving graduating students of NALSAR University of Law.
BCI Co-Chairman Seeks Manan Mishra’s Resignation
In a six-page letter dated August 22, Reddy called on Mishra to step down within 15 days and sought a special meeting of the BCI to consider the issues raised.
Reddy alleged that the Council had moved away from the institutional standards expected of India’s statutory regulator for the legal profession. Mishra has not been found guilty of the financial or appointment-related allegations raised in the letter.
₹150 Crore Fund Diversion Allegation Raised
Among the most serious claims, Reddy alleged that around ₹150 crore of BCI funds was transferred to a newly formed trust, BCI Trust PEARL – First.
He questioned whether the Advocates Act permits funds belonging to the statutory regulator to be transferred to such a trust and called for an independent special audit of both the BCI and the trust.
Reddy also alleged that law colleges seeking approvals or renewals had faced demands for contributions ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore. These allegations remain unproven.
NALSAR Controversy Adds to BCI Leadership Row
Reddy also cited the August 13 directive asking State Bar Councils not to enrol NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch after students protested an invitation extended to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
The directive was withdrawn within hours following criticism, and Mishra later apologised to students.
Reddy additionally raised concerns over alleged family appointments within the BCI and Mishra’s prolonged tenure as chairman, arguing that the organisation requires greater transparency and institutional accountability.
