BCI Co-Chairman Demands Manan Kumar Mishra's Resignation Over Graft

Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman YR Sadashiva Reddy has demanded the resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra within 15 days, alleging severe financial irregularities and administrative misconduct. In a letter dated August 22, 2026, Reddy accused Mishra of diverting 150 crore rupees of Council funds to a private entity called BCI Trust PEARL-First and coercing law colleges to pay contributions between 25 lakh and 1 crore rupees for approval or renewal.

Reddy further alleged nepotism in staffing and criticized Mishra's continuous 14-year tenure since 2012. A central point of contention involves a recent directive from Mishra's office threatening to bar the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law from enrollment as advocates because students opposed the participation of Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant in their convocation. While the directive was withdrawn hours later, Reddy described the act as a reprisal for holding an opinion.

Manan Kumar Mishra, a BJP Member of Parliament, dismissed the allegations as baseless and the result of political differences and personal vendetta. While he stated he would step down if financial irregularities are proven, he defended his long tenure, asserting that the Advocate's Act imposes no term limits. Simultaneously, advocate Yogamaya MG filed a plea in the Supreme Court of India challenging the legality of Mishra's prolonged chairmanship. Reddy has called for an independent inquiry and a special audit of both the BCI and the PEARL-First Trust.