In a statement dated August 18, 2020, Bombay Bar Association has strongly disapproved the conduct of Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman, Bar Council of India. The text of statement is as under:
STATEMENT TO CONDEMN ACTIONS OF MR. MANAN KUMAR MISHRA, CHAIRMAN, BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA [Approved at the Meeting of the "Standing Committee of the Bombay Bar Association" (Bombay Bar Association) held on 17 and 18 August 2026 through video conferencing]
The Bombay Bar Association has taken note of the unilateral action of Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman, Bar Council of India, regarding issuance of letter dated 13 August 2026 bearing no. BCI:D:5449/2026. By this letter, Vice-Chancellor, NALSAR was directed to submit a report and the State Bar Councils were directed not to enroll students of NALSAR, who are passing out in the batch of 2026. This communication was modified by another communication bearing no. BCI:D:5450/2026, also dated 13 August 2026 whereby the action proposed against the students of the said law college was dropped but the direction to NALSAR to carry out inquiry was retained. The communication bearing no. BCI:D:5450/2026 records that it is issued with approval of the Council. In a tweet by Mr. Mishra issued at 00:37 hrs on 14 August 2026, it was stated by Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra that "Bar Council of India has decided to close the proceedings altogether. No further action is required @NALSAR_Official."
The Bombay Bar Association notes that the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India is seized of the matter arising from the unfortunate events, which have arisen on account of actions of Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra and the matter is now sub-judice. Meanwhile, Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra has issued a letter dated 15 August 2026 which is in the nature of an apology.
The Bombay Bar Association stands by the decision of the Bar Council of India, to close the proceedings altogether, 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 Standing Committee has at its meetings held on 17 and 18 August 2026 deliberated the aforesaid developments which have taken place from 13 August 2026 to 15 August 2026 and it is expedient to record the following:
A) The office of Chairman, Bar Council of India, is undoubtedly an important position. Higher the position, greater the responsibility. The contents of the communication dated 13 August 2026 (BCI:D:5449/2026) issued by Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of Bar Council of India, were a direct attempt by the Learned Chairman to cause grave prejudice to the professional careers of students of NALSAR (Passing out batch of 2026). Such communication was uncalled for and reflects that the Learned Chairman took an extreme step against the students, without regard to the principles governing the right to protest and freedom of speech and expression. A large section of the students were condemned unheard. The issuance of the said communication by Mr. Mishra, is an abuse by him of the office of the Chairman, Bar Council of India.
B) It is a matter of 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 of NALSAR (Passing out batch of 2026), which do not fall within the purview of the Bar Council of India. Such actions of Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra, are strongly condemned. We remain thankful to the Bar Council of India, for having reversed the order dated 13 August 2026, passed by Mr. Mishra against the law students.
C) 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, when by his conduct, Mr. Mishra has failed to uphold the dignity of the legal profession, constitutional freedoms and the principles of fairness and natural justice, while occupying the office of Chairman, Bar Council of India. The apology sought to be tendered by Mr. Mishra, however, 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.
Venkatesh Dhond Vice-President
Nitin Thakker President
Naushad Engineer Honorary Secretary
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