Bombay Bar Association criticizes BCI chairman's apology, calls for resignation

The Bombay Bar Association has strongly condemned the actions of Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Mishra against students of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. The association described Mishra's subsequent apology as "clearly belated" and an attempt to "assuage the situation" rather than a genuine expression of remorse.

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ought to have resigned

In a letter dated August 18, the association stated that Mishra "ought to have resigned" from his position as BCI chairman. This sentiment was echoed by Cockroach Janta Party chief spokesperson Saurav Das, who urged Mishra to take moral responsibility and resign, citing a "track record of irate, dictatorial orders and questionable conduct & practices."

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The demand for BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra’s resignation is growing louder by the day. Now the Bombay Bar Association, one of the more prestigious bar bodies in the country, are calling for his resignation. It is not just about his belated apology to the students, but a track record of irate, dictatorial orders and questionable conduct & practices.

The controversy stems from the BCI's intervention in a student protest. NALSAR students had expressed opposition to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant being invited as the chief guest for their convocation. Initially, the BCI ordered the freezing of enrollment for the entire 2026 graduating batch, a decision that was later reversed following significant backlash.

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Such actions of Mr Manan Mishra are strongly condemned

The Bombay Bar Association expressed "deep anguish" over Mishra's "unilateral action" against the students. While thanking the BCI for reversing the initial order, the association criticized Mishra's apology, issued on August 15, for being insufficient. They argued that his conduct failed to uphold the dignity of the legal profession, constitutional freedoms, and principles of fairness and natural justice while serving as BCI chairman.

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The issuance of an apology by Mr Mishra on August 15, 2026 is clearly belated and nothing but an attempt to assuage the situation, when by his conduct, Mr Mishra has failed to uphold the dignity of the legal profession, constitutional freedoms and the principles of fairness and natural justice, while occupying the office of Chairman, Bar Council of India.