Internal Revolt and Legal Challenges Deepen Crisis for Bar Council Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra
Public Lokpal
August 22, 2026
Internal Revolt and Legal Challenges Deepen Crisis for Bar Council Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra
Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra is facing intense pressure to resign following severe administrative backlash and internal revolts.
The crisis escalated after a controversial directive temporarily barred NALSAR law graduates from enrolment, sparking nationwide protests.
Although Mishra swiftly withdrew the order and issued an apology, the fallout triggered deep institutional fractures. BCI Co-Chairman Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy issued a 15-day resignation ultimatum, citing explosive allegations regarding the unauthorized diversion of 150 crore rupees into a private trust and non-transparent family appointments.
Executive Committee Vice-Chairman Manoj Kumar N. backed these demands during a turbulent General Council meeting.
Simultaneously, a public interest petition was filed in the Supreme Court challenging Mishra's decade-long tenure for violating standard term-limit rules.
While critics demand immediate structural reform and accountability, Mishra has dismissed all allegations as politically motivated and baseless, insisting that council operations remain transparent.