A demand for the resignation of Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra was raised during the General Council meeting held on Saturday, with BCI member Manoj Kumar Narendran formally calling for him to step down. The demand received support from BCI member Advocate Srinath Tripathi, while BCI Co-Chairman and Senior Advocate Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy also separately urged Mishra to resign. The developments mark a significant escalation in the growing dissatisfaction within the statutory body over its leadership and functioning.

In a detailed letter, Narendran criticised Mishra’s more than 14-year tenure as BCI Chairman, arguing that such prolonged leadership undermines democratic functioning and institutional accountability. He questioned the legality of extending the chairman’s tenure to five years and alleged that important statements and decisions were issued in the name of the BCI without prior approval from the General Council. The letter also referred to the recent NALSAR controversy, stating that threatening the enrolment of students over peaceful protests exceeded the BCI’s statutory powers and conflicted with constitutional principles protecting freedom of expression.

Narendran further raised concerns over the functioning of the General Council, alleging inadequate notice for meetings, lack of transparency in approving minutes, and insufficient consultation on major policy decisions. He also questioned appointments within BCI institutions, alleging a lack of transparency and raising concerns about possible favouritism and centralisation of power. Additionally, he sought clarity regarding the BCI Trust “Pearl First” and called for greater transparency over its administration and finances, asserting that restoring confidence in the Bar Council requires stronger democratic processes and institutional accountability.