BCI co‑chairman urges chairman to quit within fortnight over eight allegations
A letter demanding the Bar Council of India's head step down has surfaced as a Supreme Court petition challenges his tenure.
The Bar Council of India’s co‑chairman has formally asked the council’s chairman to resign within 15 days, citing eight separate allegations of misconduct. The demand was conveyed in a letter addressed to the chief of the council, highlighting concerns that the allegations could undermine the body’s integrity.
The request comes at a critical moment for the council. A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking to halt the continuation of Manan Kumar Mishra’s term as chairman. Petitioners argue that procedural irregularities and the seriousness of the accusations merit judicial scrutiny, and they ask the court to intervene until the matter is resolved.
While the letter does not disclose the specifics of the eight allegations, it underscores a growing internal rift within the BCI. Observers note that the council, which regulates the legal profession across India, has faced heightened scrutiny in recent months over its governance practices and the transparency of its leadership appointments.
Legal analysts suggest that the Supreme Court’s involvement could set a precedent for how professional bodies are held accountable for internal disputes. If the court decides to suspend Mishra’s chairmanship pending a thorough investigation, it would signal a willingness to intervene in the affairs of statutory bodies when allegations of misconduct arise.
The BCI has not yet issued a public response to the co‑chairman’s letter or the Supreme Court petition. Stakeholders, including senior advocates and law students, are watching closely for any developments that could reshape the council’s leadership and its role in upholding standards within the Indian legal system.