In a bombshell letter, BCI Co-Chairman Y R Sadasiva Reddy has accused Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra of nepotism, fund diversion, and mismanagement, demanding his immediate resignation.

  • Co-Chairman Y R Sadasiva Reddy called for Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra's resignation.
  • Allegations include mismanagement, nepotism, and diversion of ₹150 crore in funds.
  • The controversy stems from a controversial directive targeting NALSAR law students.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) is currently embroiled in a massive internal crisis. Senior Advocate Y R Sadasiva Reddy, serving as the Council's Co-Chairman, has issued a scathing six-page letter to Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, urging him to step down. Reddy stated that the Indian Bar deserves much better leadership than what it is currently receiving.

The NALSAR Controversy

The friction escalated following a controversial directive issued by Mishra on August 13. The directive instructed state Bar Councils not to enroll the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law. This was seen as a retaliatory measure against students who had protested the invitation of CJI Surya Kant to the university's convocation. Although the BCI later withdrew the circular, Reddy slammed the move as an attempt to threaten young law students for expressing their opinions.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this internal rift threatens the very foundation of the regulatory body meant to protect the legal profession. When a regulator is perceived to be acting out of reprisal rather than principle, it undermines the confidence of both the judiciary and the legal community at large.

'It is precisely because I have watched this institution from within... that I am able to say... it will not recover while you remain in the Chair.'

Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Nepotism

Reddy's allegations go far beyond administrative disagreements. He accused Mishra of creating factions within state Bar Councils and maintaining a grip on power since 2012. Most seriously, Reddy alleged that a new entity, 'BCI Trust PEARL First,' was established to divert funds, with a resolution moved to transfer ₹150 crore to it. He further claimed that law college managements are being coerced into making 'contributions' ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore to this trust.

The letter also highlighted deep-seated nepotism, alleging that key positions within BCI-run institutions are occupied by individuals from Mishra's own family, effectively turning an elected office into a personal stronghold.

Did You Know?: The Bar Council of India is the statutory body responsible for regulating legal practice and legal education in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main allegations against Manan Kumar Mishra?
He faces allegations of nepotism, mismanagement of funds, and using his office to intimidate law students.

2. What is the 'PEARL First' trust controversy?
It involves allegations that ₹150 crore of BCI funds were targeted for transfer to a newly created trust controlled by the Chairman.