Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman and senior advocate YR Sadashiva Reddy has written to BCI Chairman Manan Mishra seeking his resignation, alleging that the apex body of the legal profession has “drifted from the standards” expected of it under his leadership.
In his letter, Reddy has asked Mishra to resign from the post of BCI Chairman “forthwith” and, in any event, within 15 days of receiving the communication.
The letter also calls for a Special Meeting of the BCI to consider the issues raised by Reddy, with relevant records to be placed before members in advance.
REDDY SEEKS SPECIAL AUDIT OF BCI FUNDS
One of the key demands in the letter is a special audit of the accounts of the Bar Council of India and BCI Trust PEARL-First.
Reddy has sought an independent audit covering the period from the trust’s registration to the present. He has proposed that the audit be conducted by an independent firm empanelled with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
He has further demanded that the audit report be circulated among all BCI members and made public.
Reddy has also called for an immediate halt to the acceptance of contributions, donations or other payments from law colleges, universities or managements by the BCI or any trust or body associated with it.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST BCI CHAIRMAN
Among the grounds cited for seeking Mishra’s resignation are allegations that appointments to the BCI establishment were made without a transparent recruitment process.
Reddy has also raised questions over the functioning of the Bar Council of India Trust, alleging that it was rendered defunct and that around Rs 150 crore in council funds were diverted to a newly created trust.
The letter further alleges that contributions were persistently sought from law colleges seeking approval or renewal of approval.
Reddy has also raised concerns over key positions in institutions run by the Council being held by members of Mishra’s family.
NALSAR ORDER, FACTIONALISM FLAGGED
The BCI co-chairman has also questioned a direction issued against the graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, alleging that the matter was decided without relevant material being placed before the Council.
He has additionally accused the BCI leadership of encouraging factionalism within State Bar Councils.
Reddy’s letter has sought consideration of these issues at a special meeting and called for greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the BCI.
The demands and allegations contained in the letter are from Reddy and have not, at this stage, been independently established. Mishra’s response to the allegations was not included in the material provided.
– Ends
Published By:
Ritaban Misra
Published On:
Aug 22, 2026 14:53 IST
