BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra Asked to Resign Within 15 Days, Co-Chairman Raises 8 Serious Allegations

New Delhi: A major controversy has erupted within the Bar Council of India (BCI) after its Co-Chairman and senior advocate YR Sadasiva Reddy demanded the resignation of Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra within 15 days.

In a strongly worded letter, Reddy raised eight allegations against Mishra, including alleged financial irregularities, concerns over the functioning of BCI trusts, payments collected from law colleges and alleged nepotism in appointments.

Reddy said he wrote the letter with “considerable anguish” and argued that remaining silent would amount to failing the trust placed in him by advocates across the country.

Allegations Over BCI Trust

One of the major allegations concerns the Bar Council of India Trust. Reddy alleged that the existing trust was allowed to become defunct and that a new trust, ‘BCI Trust PEARL First’, was registered in September 2020.

According to Reddy, trustees of the new trust were selected by Mishra. He further alleged that a resolution was subsequently moved to transfer around ₹150 crore of BCI funds to the newly created trust.

Reddy claimed that objections raised by him and other members were overridden.

Questions Over Payments From Law Colleges

Reddy also alleged that law colleges have been required to pay substantial amounts for BCI approval and renewal.

He argued that a regulatory body receiving money from institutions it regulates raises serious questions about the independence and credibility of the regulatory process.

Allegations of Nepotism in Appointments

The BCI Co-Chairman further accused the leadership of favouritism in staff appointments across the council and its educational institutions.

Reddy alleged that a significant number of employees were personally connected to Mishra, including members of or people related to his family. He also claimed that advertisements and merit lists supporting these appointments were not placed before the council.

Supreme Court Petition Adds to Controversy

The developments come amid a petition filed in the Supreme Court challenging the continuation of Manan Kumar Mishra as BCI Chairman.

The petition, filed by lawyer Yogamaya MG, questions the legality of Mishra’s uninterrupted tenure, which has allegedly continued for more than a decade. It cites BCI rules that prescribe a two-year term for the Chairman.

The allegations made by Reddy are claims that have not been independently established in court. Mishra's response to the allegations and any further action by the BCI or the Supreme Court are likely to determine the next course of the controversy.