Manan Kumar Mishra, the Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI) and Rajya Sabha MP, on Saturday refused to step down from his post, opining that he was elected to the position and represents close to 25 lakh lawyers across the country. He made the remarks amid growing criticism from sections of the legal fraternity and a day after several lawyers from various Bar Associations in Delhi staged a protest outside the regulatory office’s body in New Delhi.

Junking the demand for his resignation, Mishra maintained that his continued tenure was based on the mandate he had received through the electoral process.

In response to the protest, he said, “I have served as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India for 12 to 14 years because I was elected. Manan Mishra represents 25 lakh lawyers; he will not step down simply.”

Lawyers voice concerns over protection, welfare

The lawyers protesting against Mishra have voiced issues concerning the legal fraternity, such as Mishra’s long tenure as the Chairman of the BCI. They also alleged that adequate advocate welfare schemes have not been brought into force and raised concerns over the non-implementation of an Advocate Protection Act.

A proposed rise in the registration fee for lawyers at State Bar Councils also emerged as a major point of contention. The aforementioned issues have reportedly fuelled discontent among sections of the legal community, with protestors calling for greater accountability from the BCI leadership.

Mishra defends BCI’s stance on NALSAR Row

Mishra furthermore addressed the controversy surrounding students of NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad and the Chief Justice of India (CJI), who is also the university’s chancellor.

Following the controversy, he criticised what he termed ‘irresponsible and absurd commentary’ circulating on social media. He added that the students had decided to boycott the Chief Justice and stayed away from the university’s convocation ceremony, where he was scheduled to preside as the chief guest.

Mishra said, “As the Bar Council Chairman, I found this deeply objectionable.”

He recalled that the BCI subsequently issued an order stating that the students’ enrolment would not be processed. However, he underscored that the order was rolled back 15 minutes later.

Mishra targets CJP, AAP over resignation demand

While ending his statements, Mishra alleged that the NALSAR Row was subsequently used by members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a group he referred to as the ‘CJP group’ to intensify demands for his resignation.

Reiterating his stance, the BCI Chief said his tenure was the result of an electoral mandate and that he would not relinquish his post merely due to the ongoing protests and criticism.