Archive · 17 Aug 2026
Bar Council Chairman Mishra Must Resign After Nalsar Enrolment Threat
There is a very important group in India called the Bar Council of India that helps decide who can become a lawyer.
Its chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, got upset with law students at a university called Nalsar in Hyderabad.
The students did not want the Chief Justice of India to come to their graduation ceremony.
Mishra said he would stop those students from becoming lawyers, which made many people angry.
People said that finishing law school gives you the right to become a lawyer, and no one should take that away.
Mishra later said sorry and took back his words.
The Chief Justice of India also said the Bar Council should not have gotten involved.
Many people think Mishra has been in charge for too long, for 12 years, and has made bad decisions.
They want him to quit his job and want new rules so no one can be the leader for more than two terms.
Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra threatened to block enrolment of Nalsar law students after they refused to allow the Chief Justice of India to attend their convocation.
Mishra withdrew his statement and apologised after widespread condemnation from the legal community.
The Chief Justice of India said there was no need for such intervention by the BCI.
Critics argue enrolment is a right of law graduates and that Mishra overstepped the BCI's jurisdiction under the Advocates Act 1961.
The editorial calls for Mishra's resignation and for rules limiting BCI leaders to two terms, citing his 12-year tenure and past controversies.
- Who
- Manan Kumar Mishra, chairman of the Bar Council of India and BJP MP; Nalsar law students; the Chief Justice of India.
- What
- Mishra threatened to block the enrolment of Nalsar law students after they refused to allow the Chief Justice of India to attend their convocation; he later withdrew the statement and apologised, while critics demand his resignation.
- When
- Not specified in the article.
- Where
- India, specifically Hyderabad, home of the Nalsar law university.
- Why
- Mishra considered the students' refusal offensive and humiliating, while critics say he overstepped the BCI's authority and should face consequences.
Critics and legal community
Manan Kumar Mishra
BCI intervention in enrolment
Critics and legal community
Enrolment is the right of a law graduate, not a favour by the BCI; Mishra overstepped his jurisdiction and should not block students.
Manan Kumar Mishra
The students' refusal to allow the Chief Justice of India to attend the convocation was offensive, humiliating, and a mockery of students and their struggles.
Leadership and accountability
Critics and legal community
Mishra has been accused of being dictatorial, has held the post for 12 years, and has lost the moral standing to continue.
Manan Kumar Mishra
Mishra withdrew his statement and apologised, indicating he acknowledged the overreach.
- Key figure
- Manan Kumar Mishra, chairman of the Bar Council of India and BJP MP
- Institution
- Bar Council of India (statutory body under the Advocates Act 1961)
- University involved
- Nalsar, Hyderabad law university
- Incident
- Threat to block enrolment of Nalsar law students over refusal to allow the CJI to attend convocation
- Outcome
- Statement withdrawn and apology issued
- CJI response
- Said no need for BCI intervention
- Tenure
- 12 years as BCI president/chairman
- Claim by Mishra
- 30-40% of lawyers have fake degrees