New Delhi: The Bombay Bar Association demands BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra resignation following a controversy involving NALSAR University graduates. The Association has strongly criticized Mishra’s actions against NALSAR law students and said his later apology was insufficient. The development has sparked fresh debate over the role and accountability of the Bar Council of India (BCI), one of the country’s most important legal regulatory bodies.
The controversy began after the BCI Chairman issued a communication on August 13, 2026, directing State Bar Councils not to enroll graduating students from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, as advocates.
Details of Updates of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra Resignation
In a letter dated August 18, 2026, the Bombay Bar Association condemned the actions of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra and stated that his apology issued later was “belated.”
Read also: Bar Council of India Reforms Plea: Key Demands Against Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra
According to the Association, the apology appeared to be an attempt to calm the situation rather than a reflection of genuine accountability. The Association argued that despite expressing regret, Mishra continues to hold the office of BCI Chairman and therefore should step down from the position.
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra Resignation: Standing Committee Reviews the Controversy
The Bombay Bar Association stated that its Standing Committee met on August 17 and 18 to discuss the events that unfolded between August 13 and August 15.
After reviewing the matter, the Committee described the original BCI communication as an abuse of authority because it was issued without giving the affected students an opportunity to present their case. The Association further stated that the order had the potential to seriously impact the professional careers of NALSAR graduates.
Why Were NALSAR Students Targeted
The issue emerged after reports suggested that some graduating students opposed inviting Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant to their convocation ceremony. The opposition reportedly stemmed from comments made by the Chief Justice regarding student protests linked to the NEET examination controversy. Following these reports, the BCI Chairman issued directions asking State Bar Councils not to enroll NALSAR graduates as advocates.
BCI Later Withdraws Proceedings
After criticism from senior advocates, bar members, and legal circles, the BCI Chairman later withdrew the proceedings against the students. The Bombay Bar Association welcomed this decision and described it as a step in the right direction. The Association said the withdrawal helped restore confidence in the institution of the Bar Council of India. However, it emphasized that the original communication should never have been issued in the first place.
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra Resignation: Association Says Chairman Exceeded His Authority
The Bombay Bar Association expressed concern that the BCI Chairman issued directions against students that, according to the Association, did not fall within the legal powers of the Bar Council of India.
The Association noted that the office of the BCI Chairman carries significant responsibility and that actions taken from such a position can have far-reaching consequences for young legal professionals. It also described the August 13 communication as “uncalled for” and inconsistent with the principles expected from a statutory regulatory body.
NALSAR Student Council Also Objected
The Student Bar Council of NALSAR University had earlier criticized the BCI letter and demanded an apology from the Chairman.
The student body argued that disagreement with a public figure should not be treated as misconduct or anti-national behavior. It further maintained that students should be free to express their views within constitutional and democratic limits.
Legal Challenge Reaches Supreme Court
The controversy has now expanded beyond the enrollment issue. A writ petition has reportedly been filed before the Supreme Court challenging provisions that allow the continued occupancy of top leadership positions within the Bar Council of India and State Bar Councils. The petition raises broader questions about governance, accountability, and institutional reforms within legal regulatory bodies.
Read also: Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2026: Top 5 Changes Proposed by the Bar Council of India
FAQs
The Association said the BCI Chairman’s actions against NALSAR students were improper and that his later apology was delayed and insufficient.
The controversy began after the BCI directed State Bar Councils not to enroll NALSAR graduates as advocates following reports about student opposition to inviting the Chief Justice of India to their convocation.
Yes. After criticism from legal professionals and bar members, the BCI withdrew the proceedings and dropped the proposed action against the students.
