The Bombay Bar Association has strongly criticised Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra over the council’s action against students of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, saying his subsequent apology was “clearly belated” and that he “ought to have resigned” from the post.
The controversy began after a group of NALSAR students objected to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant being invited as the chief guest at the university’s convocation. The initial representation was reportedly signed by 70 students from the outgoing LLB batch, while students from other batches later expressed support for the concerns.
The decision triggered criticism from sections of the legal community and student groups. The BCI later withdrew the direction preventing enrolment, although its communication retained a request for an inquiry into the matter.
According to the association, Mishra’s apology, issued on August 15, could not be considered a full expression of remorse while he continued to occupy the position of BCI chairman. The association therefore said he should have resigned.
Following the criticism, Mishra apologised to the students and said he sincerely regretted if anything associated with the controversy, including his words or communication, had hurt their feelings.
The controversy has put renewed focus on the BCI’s powers and the responsibility of its leadership when dealing with student dissent. While the BCI withdrew its enrolment directive and Mishra later apologised, the Bombay Bar Association’s demand for his resignation shows that questions over the episode remain unresolved. The matter also underscores the need to balance regulatory authority with institutional autonomy, constitutional freedoms and students’ right to peaceful expression.
