New Delhi, 22 August

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the legality of Bar Council of India (BCI) chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra's prolonged tenure and seeking his removal from the post.

Mishra was first elected as BCI Chairman to 2012. Although Mishra briefly demitted office in 2014, he returned as chairman in November that year and has remained in the post since then, said the plea, filed by advocate Yogamaya MG.

The petition contends that Rule 12(2) of the BCI prescribes a two-year term for the chairman and vice-chairman, or until cessation of membership, whichever is earlier.

The plea has sought to constitute an independent committee headed by a former apex court judge or former chief justice of a high court.

According to the petition, the committee could be assisted by an auditor nominated by the CAG, along with financial and technical experts.

It has challenged April 21, 2025 Gazette notification that extends Mishra's tenure until 2030 and contends that an administrative notification cannot override the statutory framework governing the BCI.

"Although Rule 12(2) prescribes a two-year tenure, no meaningful restriction exists upon repeated re-election. Consequently, the office has remained with the same individual for nearly twelve years," the plea said.