New Delhi: Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman and senior advocate YR Sadashiva Reddy has sought the resignation of BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, alleging serious irregularities in the functioning of the apex statutory body regulating the legal profession. Reddy has alleged that under the present leadership, the BCI has moved away from the standards of transparency and accountability expected of the institution.
In a letter addressed to Mishra, Reddy called for his immediate resignation and, in any event, asked him to step down within 15 days of receiving the communication. He has also demanded that a Special Meeting of the BCI be convened to discuss the issues raised in the letter, with relevant records placed before members in advance.
Demand for Independent Audit of BCI Funds and Trust
One of Reddy’s principal demands is a special audit of the accounts of the Bar Council of India and BCI Trust PEARL-First. He has sought an independent examination of the financial transactions of the trust from the date of its registration until the present.
According to the letter, the audit should be conducted by an independent firm empanelled with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG). Reddy has further demanded that the audit report be circulated among all BCI members and made public.
He has also called for an immediate suspension of the acceptance of contributions, donations or other payments from law colleges, universities and their managements by the BCI or any trust or body associated with it.
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Questions Over Alleged ₹150-Crore Fund Transfer
Reddy has raised several allegations concerning the functioning of the BCI. These include claims that appointments within the BCI establishment were made without a transparent recruitment process.
He has also questioned the functioning of the BCI Trust, alleging that the earlier trust was rendered inactive and that around ₹150 crore in council funds were allegedly transferred to a newly created trust.
The allegations contained in the letter have not been independently established at this stage. The material available does not include a response from BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra to the allegations.
Allegations Over Payments from Law Colleges
Reddy has further alleged that contributions were repeatedly sought from law colleges seeking approval or renewal of approval. He has questioned the transparency and financial accountability of such arrangements and demanded an immediate halt to such payments.
He has also raised concerns over members of Mishra’s family holding important positions in institutions associated with the Council, arguing that the issue requires scrutiny from the perspective of potential conflicts of interest.
NALSAR Issue and Alleged Factionalism
The BCI Co-Chairman has also questioned a direction issued against the graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law. He has alleged that the decision was taken without relevant material being properly placed before the Council.
Reddy has additionally accused the BCI leadership of encouraging factionalism within State Bar Councils. He has called for greater transparency, institutional accountability and adherence to established procedures in the functioning of the legal profession’s apex regulatory body.
Special Meeting Sought
Reddy has urged the BCI to convene a Special Meeting to consider the allegations and demands and to place relevant records before its members. He has sought a comprehensive review of the Council’s financial management, recruitment procedures, payments involving law colleges and the functioning of institutions and trusts associated with the BCI.
The matter currently concerns allegations and demands raised internally by the BCI Co-Chairman. The alleged ₹150-crore fund transfer, recruitment-related claims, payments from law colleges and other allegations have not been independently verified. The BCI Chairman’s response, if issued, is likely to provide his position on the allegations and further clarify the dispute.
