The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) has called for the removal of Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, questioning his continued tenure and alleging concerns over the manner in which the BCI has exercised its regulatory powers.
The organisation’s latest statement comes after the controversy surrounding the BCI’s temporary direction concerning the enrolment of the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR.
NALSAR Controversy Behind Fresh Demand
The controversy began after students at NALSAR sought reconsideration of the proposed invitation to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest for their convocation.
On August 13, Mishra directed State Bar Councils not to enrol members of the graduating batch as advocates until an inquiry was conducted into students involved in the campaign.
The direction faced significant criticism and was withdrawn later the same day. The proposed inquiry was subsequently abandoned.
CJAR has strongly objected to the episode, arguing that professional enrolment should not be used as a consequence for students participating in a campaign or expressing disagreement with a university decision.
According to CJAR, action affecting the professional future of an entire graduating batch was disproportionate and raised concerns about due process.
Questions Over the BCI Chairman’s Tenure
CJAR has separately questioned how long Mishra has continued as Chairman of the BCI.
The organisation has pointed to Section 4(3) of the Advocates Act, 1961, which provides for a two-year term for the Chairman and Vice-Chairman while allowing an incumbent to continue until a successor is elected.
CJAR argues that the continuation provision should not become a mechanism for indefinite retention in the office.
It has therefore demanded a fixed two-term ceiling for anyone serving as BCI Chairman and called for greater institutional accountability within the Bar Council.
The claim that Mishra’s present continuation is “irregular” is CJAR’s position and has not been established as a judicial finding in the material provided.
Financial Transparency Also Under Scrutiny
The organisation has also raised questions concerning the functioning of BCI-linked trusts.
CJAR has alleged that the Pearl-First Trust was created under the BCI Trust structure and that Mishra became a lifetime trustee.
It has further alleged that funds from an earlier trust established by the BCI were transferred to the newer trust and claimed that the transfer and subsequent use of those funds are being examined by the CBI.
CJAR has consequently demanded an independent examination of the trust’s affairs and greater disclosure of the BCI’s financial dealings.
What Does CJAR Want?
The organisation has called for several measures, including:
- Mishra’s resignation as BCI Chairman;
- An inquiry into the functioning of the BCI-linked trust;
- Public disclosure of BCI finances;
- A maximum two-term limit for the BCI Chairmanship;
- Disclosure of disciplinary actions taken during Mishra’s tenure; and
- Safeguards against regulatory action being taken against students or advocates without due process.
CJAR has also urged State Bar Councils, members of the legal profession and the Supreme Court to examine the concerns it has raised.
Also Read: Remote Legal Internship at the Office of Sunil Kumar Singh and Mukti Singh, Supreme Court of India
Resignation Calls Within the BCI
The demand is not limited to CJAR.
At a BCI General Council meeting on August 22, BCI member Advocate Manoj Kumar Narendran reportedly called for Mishra’s resignation, with another member supporting the demand.
BCI Co-Chairman Senior Advocate Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy has also reportedly sought Mishra’s resignation.
Meanwhile, a separate writ petition has challenged Mishra’s continued tenure and sought an independent investigation into the BCI Trust.
The controversy has consequently moved beyond the NALSAR episode, raising broader questions about the independence of the Bar, accountability within the BCI and the limits of regulatory authority over law graduates and advocates.
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