NALSAR row sparks fresh protest: Lawyers demand resignation of BCI chief Manan Mishra

On Thursday, a group of lawyers gathered outside the Bar Council of India (BCI) office, vocally protesting against the council's chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra. Their demand was simple: Mishra's resignation. This protest came in the wake of the BCI's controversial order, later withdrawn, that restricted the enrolment of NALSAR University's 2026 graduating class.

The lawyers, supported by the All India Young Advocates Association and the Cockroach Janta Party, voiced their discontent through chants and placards, calling for greater accountability within the BCI.

Advocate Raman Sharma, speaking to ANI, clarified that the protest was a direct response to the BCI's actions, highlighting the need for change within the apex body. He pointed out that Mishra, having held his position for 14 years, should demonstrate tangible improvements for the legal fraternity rather than evade accountability.

Sharma also emphasized the broader concerns raised by the protesters, including lawyer welfare, stipends, chambers, the Advocates Act, and regulation of law colleges. He alleged that the BCI, under Mishra's leadership, had focused more on political agendas, neglecting the welfare of lawyers and law students.

Umesh Kumar, another protester, echoed these sentiments, questioning Mishra's track record on lawyer welfare and accusing the BCI of utilizing official letters for political gain. He urged the BCI Chairman to address the professional concerns of lawyers, including issues related to law colleges and the Advocates Act. Kumar stated that around 35% to 40% of individuals in the legal profession were considered "fake lawyers," a claim he intended to substantiate through action.

Support for the protest came from the Bombay Bar Association and CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, who both advocated for a peaceful demonstration seeking accountability. Das also noted the Bombay Bar Association's demand for Mishra's resignation, criticizing his belated apology as insufficient. The BCI itself withdrew the controversial order after facing widespread criticism, acknowledging that the majority of students involved were innocent.

Mishra subsequently apologized, expressing regret for any hurt caused to law students. The BCI's Chief Justice, Surya Kant, further condemned the order, emphasizing the students' right to protest.