Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has refused to resign despite protests demanding his removal, sharply hitting back at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over its description of lawyers as “legal cockroaches”. Mishra said he was elected to the position and represents around 25 lakh lawyers, asserting that he would not step down because of social-media campaigns or street protests.
His remarks came after lawyers protested outside the BCI headquarters in Delhi on August 20, with the CJP backing the resignation demand. The controversy stems from the BCI’s intervention in the NALSAR University of Law row, in which the council initially directed that the university’s 2026 graduating students not be enrolled by State Bar Councils. The BCI later withdrew the directive and closed proceedings against the students.
‘A Lawyer Cannot Be A Cockroach’
Mishra’s strongest response was directed at the language used by the CJP. Objecting to its reference to “legal cockroaches”, the BCI chairman said, “A lawyer cannot be a cockroach,” and demanded that the term not be used for members of the legal profession. He described lawyers as an intelligent and respected group and criticised what he viewed as an attempt to demean the profession while mobilising support for his resignation.
The CJP, which has been campaigning against Mishra’s continuation as BCI chairman, had backed the protests outside the BCI office. Its spokesperson Saurav Das later welcomed a separate resignation demand from BCI Co-Chairman YR Sadashiva Reddy, saying the development showed that concerns over Mishra’s leadership extended beyond the protesters.
NALSAR Row At The Heart Of The Dispute
The immediate controversy began with the BCI’s action against NALSAR students after objections surrounding the invitation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to the university’s convocation. The council had directed State Bar Councils not to enrol students from the 2026 graduating batch. The move drew criticism and was subsequently withdrawn, with proceedings against the students closed.
The episode intensified questions about the BCI’s authority to intervene in a dispute involving students and a university. Mishra has defended the council’s actions, while critics have argued that peaceful student dissent should not have resulted in measures affecting graduates’ entry into the legal profession. The controversy has since expanded into a wider debate over the BCI chairman’s leadership and accountability.
Resignation Demand Now Comes From Within BCI
The pressure on Mishra has also escalated within the BCI itself. On August 22, BCI Co-Chairman and senior advocate YR Sadashiva Reddy demanded Mishra’s resignation, saying, “The Bar deserves better.” Reddy cited the NALSAR episode, alleged diversion of ₹150 crore in funds and questioned certain appointments. These claims are allegations and have not been independently established.
Reddy said he was writing not as an adversary but as an elected member of the BCI and a lawyer with more than three decades in the profession. He also argued that the BCI is a statutory body, not the personal property of any individual, and called for greater transparency around its finances, staff and dealings with law colleges and universities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The language used in public disagreements matters, particularly when the dispute involves institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law. Criticism of the BCI and its leadership should have space in a democracy, but calling lawyers “cockroaches” risks reducing a serious institutional debate to personal confrontation.
At the same time, Mishra’s refusal to resign cannot by itself settle legitimate questions about the BCI’s decisions, finances or accountability. With criticism now coming from protesters as well as a serving BCI Co-Chairman, an independent and transparent examination could help separate verified concerns from political rhetoric and restore confidence in the institution. Should the focus now shift from heated exchanges to an open, independent review of the allegations against the BCI leadership?
BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has refused to resign despite growing demands for his removal following the NALSAR controversy.
— The Logical Indian (@LogicalIndians) August 22, 2026
The row began after the BCI directed State Bar Councils not to enrol NALSAR's 2026 graduating batch after students opposed Chief Justice of India Surya… pic.twitter.com/EBwo6TUip6
