Bombay Bar Association Condemns BCI Chairman Manan Mishra for Abuse of Power Over NALSAR Students

August 19, 2026

The Bombay Bar Association (BBA) has issued a sharp condemnation of Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra , accusing him of abusing his office by targeting NALSAR University of Law students and demanding his resignation. In a statement approved by its Standing Committee on August 18, the association described Mishra’s August 13 directive against the graduating batch as “uncalled for” and a violation of natural justice .

The Controversy Unfolds

The trouble began on August 13, 2026 , when Mishra directed all State Bar Councils not to enroll any student from NALSAR's 2026 graduating batch as advocates. The move came after a section of students opposed the invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as chief guest for the convocation, citing his remarks on NEET student protests in Delhi. Mishra also ordered the NALSAR Vice-Chancellor to submit a report.

Following immediate backlash from senior advocates and bar bodies, Mishra issued a modified communication the same day, dropping the proposed action against students but retaining the inquiry. On August 14, he announced via Twitter that all proceedings were closed. The next day, he issued a letter of apology.

BBA's Strong Condemnation

The BBA's Standing Committee, meeting on August 17 and 18, deliberated the events and released a detailed criticism. The association stated that Mishra's August 13 letter was "a direct attempt by the Learned Chairman to cause grave prejudice to the professional careers of students of NALSAR (Passing out batch of 2026)." It added that the communication was issued "without regard to the principles governing the right to protest and freedom of speech and expression " and that "a large section of the students were condemned unheard ."

The BBA expressed "deepest anguish that Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra , Senior Advocate, has while occupying the post as Chairman of the Bar Council of India , indulged in issuing Orders and directions against the law students... which do not fall within the purview of the Bar Council of India ." It described the original directive as "an abuse by him of the office of the Chairman, Bar Council of India ."

Apology Called Belated

On Mishra's August 15 apology, the BBA was unequivocal: "The issuance of an apology by Mr. Mishra on 15 August 2026 is clearly belated and nothing but an attempt to merely assuage the situation." The association said the apology could not be considered "an expression of true remorse, since he continues to hold the position as Chairman despite his conduct, when in the fitness of things, he ought to have already resigned."

Support for Institutional Reversal

Despite its strong condemnation of Mishra personally, the BBA welcomed the BCI's eventual decision to close all proceedings against the students. It described the reversal as "a step in the right direction and a step which restores the faith in the institution of the Bar Council of India , in whom we continue to repose our faith."

The Student Bar Council's Stand

The NALSAR Student Bar Council had earlier condemned Mishra's initial action, stating it reflected "the classic 'anti-national' narrative, in which dissent is not engaged with on its merits but is explained away as the work of external actors manipulating impressionable students." The students demanded an apology, which was eventually issued.

Matter Sub-Judice

The controversy is now before the Supreme Court of India , which is hearing a related petition. Additionally, a writ petition has been filed challenging the legal provisions that allow perpetual continuance of the same individuals in top posts of the BCI and State Bar Councils . The outcome is likely to have significant implications for the autonomy of law students and the accountability of bar regulatory bodies.

Key Observations from the BBA Statement

  • “The contents of the communication dated 13 August 2026... were a direct attempt by the Learned Chairman to cause grave prejudice to the professional careers of students of NALSAR.”
  • “The issuance of the said communication by Mr. Mishra is an abuse by him of the office of the Chairman, Bar Council of India .”
  • “Such actions of Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra are strongly condemned.”
  • “The apology sought to be tendered by Mr. Mishra... cannot be considered as an expression of true remorse, since he continues to hold the position as Chairman despite his conduct, when in the fitness of things, he ought to have already resigned.”

Implications

The BBA's statement underscores the deep unease within the legal fraternity about the exercise of powers by the head of a statutory regulatory body. It raises fundamental questions about due process , the right to dissent , and the scope of the BCI's authority over students. As the Supreme Court takes up the matter, the legal community awaits a verdict that could reshape the balance between institutional authority and individual rights.