BCI chairman Mishra hits back at co-chairman over resignation call

Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has questioned the membership status of Co-Chairman Y.R. Sadashiva Reddy after Reddy demanded his resignation within 15 days. Mishra said Reddy is no longer a member of the Karnataka State Bar Council and did not contest its recent elections. He dismissed Reddy's allegations of embezzling Rs 150 crore as motivated by personal and political reasons, calling Reddy his political opponent.

Reddy, in his letter to Mishra, listed eight grounds for resignation, including the BCI's handling of the NALSAR University of Law controversy, alleged irregularities in appointments, diversion of funds, and financial dealings with law colleges. Reddy alleged that Mishra's office directed that the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR not be enrolled after student protests, a decision later withdrawn. He also questioned the transfer of Rs 150 crore to the BCI Trust PEARL-First and claimed staff appointments were made without proper process.

Reddy has called for a special audit of the BCI and its trust by an independent firm empanelled with the CAG, and demanded the publication of the audit report. Mishra has rejected the allegations, saying Reddy was his opponent from the beginning. The Young Advocates Association continues to protest, demanding Mishra's resignation.