Bombay Bar Association criticises BCI chairman’s actions, demands resignation

The Bombay Bar Association has criticized Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra's actions following his directive to state bar councils not to enroll NALSAR University's 2026 graduating class as advocates. In an August 18 letter, the Association stated that Mishra's apology on August 15 does not express genuine remorse.

Despite Mr. Mishra retaining his position as chairman, the Association believes he should have resigned. The Bar Council's August 13 letter was deemed an abuse of power as it proceeded without giving the students a chance to be heard. The Association's Standing Committee met on August 17 and 18 to discuss the events from August 13 to 15.

They viewed the letter as causing prejudice to the NALSAR students' professional careers and praised the BCI's decision to drop proceedings against the students, viewing it as a positive step. The Association noted that Mishra's communication on August 13 was beyond the BCI's purview, criticizing him for ordering against the NALSAR law students in his post.

The letter was issued after reports of students opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's comments on NEET protests. The BCI chairman withdrew proceedings against the batch on August 14 after criticism from senior advocates and Bar members. The Student Bar Council of NALSAR University condemned the August 13 letter for denying the graduates their registration as advocates and demanded an apology, stating that it presented a narrative where dissent is not engaged with but attributed to external forces.

A Supreme Court writ petition has been filed challenging the provisions that allow individuals to maintain top posts in the BCI and State Bar Councils.