BCI Chief Manan Kumar Mishra Dismisses Resignation Call by YR Sadashiva Reddy
In New Delhi, Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman and BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra rejected demands for his resignation made by BCI Co-Chairman YR Sadashiva Reddy, stating that Reddy was a political opponent who is no longer associated with the regulatory body.
Speaking to the media, Mishra stated that Reddy was previously a member of the BCI but no longer holds ties with it, is not a member of the State Bar Council, and has not contested its elections. Mishra added that Reddy had consistently opposed him on multiple issues during his tenure.
Earlier, Reddy, a senior advocate and BCI Co-Chairman, addressed a letter to Mishra demanding his immediate resignation or stepping down within 15 days. Reddy cited eight grounds in his letter, alleging irregularities in staff appointments, diversion of council funds, financial dealings involving law colleges, and broader governance failures.
Among the specific allegations, Reddy pointed to the transfer of Rs 150 crore from the BCI to the BCI Trust PEARL-First, alleging that BCI members were never shown the trust deed. He also raised concerns over complaints that law colleges seeking approval or renewal were asked to contribute amounts ranging between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 1 crore to the trust.
Reddy also criticised the BCI's handling of a recent controversy involving the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law. He claimed the chairman's office unilaterally directed that the graduating batch not be enrolled following a convocation-related opinion, an order that was withdrawn within hours following widespread criticism.
Additionally, Reddy alleged that appointments within the BCI establishment were carried out without advertisements, selection committees, or merit lists, asserting that several appointed personnel were linked to Mishra or his family. He also questioned Mishra's extended tenure as chairman since 2012, including his re-election in 2025.
In his letter, Reddy called for a special meeting of the BCI, a special audit of the council and BCI Trust PEARL-First by an independent firm empanelled with the CAG, and an immediate halt to financial contributions from law colleges and universities.
