New Delhi: BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra resignation demand has triggered a major controversy within India’s legal community. Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman and Senior Advocate Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy has formally called for the immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, citing allegations related to financial management, appointments, governance, and the recent NALSAR University controversy.
In a six-page letter addressed to Mishra on August 22, 2026, Reddy claimed that the institution has suffered a loss of credibility and urged the Chairman to step down in the interest of the legal profession.
Why Has The BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra Resignation Demand Been Made
According to the letter, Reddy raised several concerns regarding the functioning of the Bar Council of India. The allegations include the transfer of approximately ₹150 crore of BCI funds to a trust associated with the Council, claims of appointments without a transparent selection process, and concerns about decision-making within the organization.
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Reddy argued that the Bar Council of India is a statutory body created under the Advocates Act, 1961, and should function with transparency and accountability.
Allegations Related To Trust Funds
One of the major allegations concerns the transfer of around ₹150 crore from BCI funds to a trust known as PEARL-FIRST. According to Reddy, the trust was created with trustees selected by the Chairman, and the transfer of funds raises questions about governance and oversight. These claims remain allegations and have not been adjudicated by any court.
Concerns Over Staff Appointments
The letter also alleges that several individuals appointed within the Council have personal connections to the Chairman. Reddy claimed that records related to advertisements, selection committees, and merit-based recruitment have not been placed before the Council.
NALSAR University Row Adds To The Dispute
The controversy comes shortly after the widely discussed NALSAR University issue. Earlier this month, a communication was issued directing State Bar Councils not to enroll graduating students from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. The move faced strong criticism and was later withdrawn.
Reddy described the action as damaging to the reputation of the Bar Council and questioned the process through which the directive was issued.
BCI Chairman Had Earlier Issued An Apology
Following criticism from law students, legal organizations, and members of the legal fraternity, Manan Kumar Mishra publicly apologized for the controversy. He stated that law students should be free to express their views and emphasized dialogue over confrontation.
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra Resignation: Questions Raised Over Length Of Tenure
Another issue highlighted by Reddy concerns the length of Mishra’s tenure as Chairman. The letter notes that Mishra has occupied the position continuously since 2012, despite the office traditionally having a shorter term. Reddy argued that long-term occupancy of the same office raises concerns about institutional governance. Separately, a petition has also been filed before the Supreme Court challenging Mishra’s continuation as BCI Chairman and seeking fresh elections.
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra Resignation Demands Made By The Co-Chairman
Reddy has requested several corrective measures. These include convening a Special Meeting of the Bar Council of India, conducting an independent audit of BCI accounts and associated trusts, and reviewing financial and administrative decisions taken by the organization. He has also called for greater transparency in appointments and institutional functioning.
Manan Kumar Mishra Rejects Calls To Resign
Manan Kumar Mishra has rejected the demand for resignation. Responding to the controversy, he stated that he holds the position through an electoral process and described the criticism as politically motivated. He has indicated that he does not intend to step down.
Read also: Bar Council of India Reforms Plea: Key Demands Against Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra
FAQs
The controversy arose after a communication directed State Bar Councils not to enroll graduating NALSAR students. The directive faced criticism and was later withdrawn by the BCI.
Reddy has cited allegations related to fund transfers, staff appointments, governance issues, and the NALSAR University controversy while demanding Mishra’s resignation.
No. Manan Kumar Mishra has rejected the resignation demand and stated that he intends to continue in office.
