BCI Chief Dismisses Co-Chair’s Allegations, Demands Audit Be Dropped

Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra has firmly rejected allegations made by co-chairman Y R Sadasiva Reddy, calling the charges baseless.

Allegations Against BCI Leadership

Reddy, in a letter dated August 22, presented a series of demands and criticisms regarding Mishra’s tenure and the BCI’s operations.

• He demanded Mishra’s resignation within 15 days.
• Reddy called for an independent audit of BCI accounts.
• He claimed the body had deviated from its established standards under Mishra’s leadership.

Mishra’s Rebuttal on Reddy’s Status

Mishra countered these claims by stating that Reddy is no longer an official BCI member, having failed to contest the most recent state bar council elections.

• Reddy did not participate in the last state bar council elections held in Karnataka.
• Mishra highlighted that Reddy had not raised these specific issues during his eight years as a BCI member.

Controversy Over NALSAR Directive

Reddy also criticised Mishra for a previously withdrawn BCI directive. This directive had threatened to withhold the enrollment of NALSAR University of Law’s 2026 graduating batch.

The threat stemmed from a campaign concerning Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, which Mishra later withdrew. Mishra maintains he has widespread support within the legal community.

Support and Upcoming Statement

The BCI Chairperson asserted that he holds the support of the legal fraternity and 2.5 million lawyers across India. A press conference by Mishra to further address these allegations has been rescheduled.

The conference is now set to take place on Monday, where Mishra is expected to elaborate on his position.