India: Protest planned against Bar Council chief over NALSAR row

A protest is planned for August 20 against Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Mishra. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenor Saurav Das announced the demonstration, which will demand Mishra's resignation. The controversy stems from the BCI's intervention in the NALSAR University of Law's enrolment process.

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Legal cockroaches’ will hold a protest against Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Mishra at 10am today (August 20)

Das stated his support for peaceful demonstrations seeking accountability and high standards of conduct. He noted that the Bombay Bar Association also called for Mishra's resignation on Tuesday. Mishra is facing criticism for an order, subsequently withdrawn, that directed state bar councils not to enroll NALSAR graduates. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant strongly criticized the BCI's action, referring to it as an "enrolment row."

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seeks accountability and sets high standards for conduct in office.

The dispute began when NALSAR students objected to an invitation for CJI Surya Kant to be the chief guest at their convocation. They cited remarks made by the CJI during a Supreme Court hearing on alleged police excesses against protesters. The BCI's initial order barred NALSAR graduates from enrolment, but it was retracted within hours after social media backlash and protest threats. CJI Kant asserted that the Council had no authority to interfere with students' right to protest peacefully and restrained the BCI from taking punitive action against students or faculty.

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The Council had “no business” interfering with the students’ right to protest.