‘People Like Him Will Come And Go’: Manan Mishra Hits Back After BCI Co-Chairman Seeks Resignation

Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has rejected calls for his resignation, launching a sharp counterattack on BCI Co-Chairman Y.R. Sadashiva Reddy amid an escalating leadership dispute within the legal body's top ranks.

Resignation Demand Sparks Public Clash

The controversy erupted after Reddy formally sought Mishra’s resignation, alleging financial irregularities, questionable appointments and procedural lapses within the Bar Council of India. In a detailed letter, Reddy called for Mishra to step down within 15 days and sought an independent audit and inquiry into the council’s functioning.

Among the allegations were claims relating to the transfer of funds to a trust linked to the BCI leadership, appointments of individuals connected to Mishra and the handling of the recent NALSAR University controversy.

Mishra Dismisses Allegations

Responding to the demand, Mishra dismissed Reddy as a political rival and rejected suggestions that he should resign.

According to reports, Mishra said individuals making such demands would come and go, while the institution would continue to function. He maintained that his position as BCI chairman stems from an electoral process and that he continues to enjoy the support of the legal fraternity.

The BCI chairman also argued that the allegations were politically motivated and insisted that he would not step down from office.

NALSAR Row Continues To Haunt BCI

The leadership battle comes days after the Bar Council faced criticism over a now-withdrawn directive concerning the graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law.

The directive, which sought to block enrolment of graduating students with state bar councils, triggered strong opposition from students, lawyers and senior members of the legal community. The move was later withdrawn, and Mishra issued a public apology to law students.

The episode also drew criticism from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who said the matter was between students and him and questioned the BCI’s intervention.

Pressure Mounts Within Legal Community

Calls for Mishra’s resignation have gathered momentum in recent days. Lawyers’ organisations, BCI members and advocacy groups have publicly questioned his leadership, with some demanding a no-confidence motion if he refuses to resign.

Despite the growing pressure, Mishra has reiterated that he intends to remain in office, setting the stage for a deeper confrontation within India’s top legal regulatory body.