BCI Chairman Challenges Resignation Call by YR Sadasiva Reddy
In a recent development that has stirred the legal community, the Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), Manan Kumar Mishra, has dismissed the allegations made by fellow BCI member YR Sadasiva Reddy. Reddy had penned a letter demanding Mishra’s resignation, which Mishra has termed as a ‘political vendetta.’
Dispute Over BCI Titles
Mishra, speaking to ANI, categorically denied Reddy’s claims of holding the position of co-chairman in the BCI. Mishra stated, “First of all, I must clarify that he is not a co-chairman of the Bar Council of India. Rather, today, he is not even a member of the State Bar Council. He has not contested the elections of Karnataka State Bar Council and the results have already been declared. Therefore, he is no more even a member of the State Bar Council of Karnataka.” Despite Mishra’s assertions, BCI’s official webpage lists Reddy as a co-chairman at the time of reporting.
Political Dynamics and Allegations
Mishra further alleged that Reddy’s actions were politically motivated, claiming Reddy is affiliated with a different political party that typically supports Congress. Mishra noted, “He has been the member of the Bar Council of India for the last about eight and a half years. But throughout those eight and a half years, he has never opened his mouth about the concerns flagged in Reddy’s letter.”
Financial Impropriety Claims Rejected
Reddy’s letter, which prompted the current controversy, accused Mishra of allowing the BCI to deviate from its expected standards during his 14-year tenure. The letter also alleged financial misconduct, claiming that approximately ₹150 crore was transferred to a trust named BCI Trust PEARL. Additionally, Reddy purported that law colleges had to pay steep ‘contributions’ for BCI approval. Mishra refuted these claims, emphasizing the trust’s transparency and auditing practices. “Anyone is welcome to examine the accounts. The trust undergoes an annual audit. The audit report is incorporated into the budget, published and made available in the public domain,” Mishra stated.
Internal Politics and Support
Mishra suggested that the issues were rooted in internal politics, emphasizing his past support for Reddy during challenging times. “I was the (BCI) chairman who defended him, saying he should not be removed in such a manner,” Mishra remarked. He also maintained that the BCI remains a robust institution, with its members standing firmly behind him.
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Controversy Over NALSAR Hyderabad Directive
The timing of Reddy’s letter coincides with a recent directive issued by Mishra as BCI Chairman, which warned NALSAR Hyderabad law students of potential debarment if they opposed Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant’s presence at their convocation. This directive was later rescinded after facing widespread criticism. Reddy’s letter criticized this move as an abuse of the Chairman’s office.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The controversy has escalated to the Supreme Court, where a petition seeking Mishra’s resignation has been filed. However, Mishra asserted his strong support within the BCI, stating, “I am an elected representative. Even today, more than two-thirds of the Bar Council members support me.” He dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically driven.
Mishra concluded by criticizing detractors, alleging they belong to groups with no real ties to the BCI, and urged the legal fraternity to disregard such baseless accusations.
