Will BCI Chairman Manan Mishra Resign Over INR 150 Crore Fund Diversion Allegations?
Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman, senior advocate YR Sadasiva Reddy, on Saturday demanded the immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, in a six-page letter addressed to the Chairman himself and dated August 22.
New Delhi, August 22: Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman, senior advocate YR Sadasiva Reddy, on Saturday demanded the immediate resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, in a six-page letter addressed to the Chairman himself and dated August 22. Reddy has levelled serious allegations against Mishra, including the diversion of INR 150 crores of Council funds to a private trust allegedly controlled by the Chairman, and the appointment of family members to key positions within the Council without any transparent process.
Reddy Cites NALSAR Controversy
The Co-Chairman also referred to the recent controversy surrounding a communication issued against the graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, calling it deeply damaging to the Council's reputation.
"That single act... has done more damage to the standing of this Council than anything else in its history," Reddy wrote, referring to the NALSAR row. BCI Chief Manan Kumar Mishra Apologises to Law Students After NALSAR Enrolment Row.
'Tender Your Resignation Forthwith,' Reddy Tells Mishra
In the letter, Reddy said the Council had strayed far from expected standards of governance under Mishra's leadership.
"This Council has drifted very far from that standard.... I call upon you, in the plainest terms, to tender your resignation from the office of Chairman... forthwith," Reddy wrote, giving Mishra a 15 day deadline to step down.
He further remarked on the length of Mishra's tenure, stating, "An elected office that has one occupant for fourteen years has ceased, in any real sense, to be an elected office." CJI Surya Kant Questions Bar Council of India Over Action Against NALSAR Students.
Trust Fund Diversion Allegations
Reddy alleged that a new trust named 'BCI Trust PEARL - FIRST', registered on September 17, 2020, was allegedly allowed to fall into disuse before being revived, with trustees handpicked by Mishra himself. He said he was aware of no provision under the Advocates Act, 1961, that permits a statutory regulator's funds to be transferred to a private trust set up by its own Chairman.
Reddy also alleged that law colleges across the country seeking approval or renewal of recognition were pressured to contribute financially to the Trust, and that several Council staff members were personally connected to Mishra, including his family members.
Mishra Refuses To Step Down
Manan Kumar Mishra rejected the resignation demand on Friday, asserting that he was democratically elected to the post and represents around 25 lakh lawyers across the country.
BCI Chief Manan Mishra Rejects Resignation Demand
#WATCH | Delhi: Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman and BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra says, "I am an elected representative. I was neither selected nor nominated to the Bar Council of India. It is a statutory body established under the Advocates Act. Over 2.5 million lawyers across… https://t.co/btEOYaCMva pic.twitter.com/tsuEugy0if
— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2026
"I have served as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India for 12 to 14 years because I was elected. Manan Mishra represents 25 lakh lawyers; he will not step down simply," Mishra said.
His comments came a day after members of various Bar Associations in Delhi gathered outside the BCI office in New Delhi, demanding his resignation over multiple issues affecting the legal fraternity, including the absence of advocate welfare schemes, non-implementation of an Advocate Protection Act, and a proposed hike in registration fees at the State Bar Council level.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2026 03:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
