The Bombay Bar Association on Wednesday “strongly condemned” the actions taken by BCI chairman Manan Mishra on August 13 against NALSAR students, while calling his apology “clearly belated.”
However, it said, “The issuance of an apology by Mr Mishra on August 15, 2026 is clearly belated and nothing but an attempt to 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 demand for BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra’s resignation is growing louder by the day. Now the Bombay Bar Association, one of the more prestigious bar bodies in the country, are calling for his resignation.
In a letter dated August 18 (Tuesday), the Association said the apology was an “attempt to assuage the situation” and not a “true expression of remorse”, saying Mishra “ought to have resigned” as the BCI chairman. It is not just about his belated apology to the students, but a track record of irate, dictatorial orders and questionable conduct & practices,” Das said. In its letter, the association said it had taken note of the “unilateral action” taken by Mishra and the modified communication wherein the move was dropped but the direction to NALSAR urging an inquiry was retained. The association said it was a “matter of deep anguish” that Mishra had issued directions against NALSAR students while occupying the position of chairman of the BCI. “Such actions of Mr Manan Mishra are strongly condemned,” the Bombay Bar Association said, while adding that it was “thankful” to the BCI for reversing the earlier order. The letter said that the apology “cannot be considered a true expression of remorse since he (Mishra) continues to hold the position as Chairman despite his conduct.
After the CJI’s remarks, Mishra apologised to the law students on Saturday and said he sincerely regretted if anything connected with the controversy, including his words or letter, had hurt their feelings.
