Archive · 28 Jan 2026
BCI Threatens Protest Over Kerala Judge's Remarks
The Bar Council of India (BCI) is upset with a judge in Kerala.
The judge said he might investigate the BCI because they raised the fees for elections.
The BCI wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of India, saying they usually stay quiet but might protest if the judge keeps criticizing them.
They asked the Chief Justice to tell the judge to stop.
The BCI also said they respect the judiciary but won't stay silent if they are attacked.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) threatened collective protest over remarks by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas of Kerala High Court.
Justice Thomas warned of a probe into BCI's activities due to a dispute over increased nomination fees for state Bar council elections.
BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra wrote to the Chief Justice of India, expressing restraint but warning of protest if attacks continue.
The BCI requested the Chief Justice to advise judicial restraint to avoid institutional conflict.
The Supreme Court is monitoring state Bar council elections, and the BCI urged the High Court to respect this mechanism.
- Who
- Bar Council of India (BCI) and Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas of Kerala High Court
- What
- BCI threatens collective protest over Justice Thomas's remarks about investigating the BCI's activities
- When
- January 23 (remarks), subsequent letter from BCI
- Where
- India, specifically involving the Kerala High Court and the Bar Council of India
- Why
- Dispute over the BCI's decision to increase nomination fees for state Bar council elections and the judge's threat to investigate the BCI
- Organization
- Bar Council of India (BCI)
- Chairperson
- Manan Kumar Mishra
- Judge
- Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas
- Court
- Kerala High Court
- Issue
- Increase in nomination fees for state Bar council elections
- Current Fees
- ₹1.25 lakh
- Previous Fees
- ₹5,000
- Date of Remarks
- January 23