---
title: "KSBC backs Mishra as BCI row with Reddy allegations contested"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/ksbc-backs-mishra-bci-row-9kozv
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-24T12:02:15.506Z
modified: 2026-08-24T14:00:06.165Z
language: en-IN
---

# KSBC backs Mishra as BCI row with Reddy allegations contested

The Karnataka State Bar Council defends Bar Council of India chair Manan Kumar Mishra amid allegations from Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy, saying the claims are politically motivated. KSBC notes Reddy was removed from KSBC for inefficiency and is no longer an elected member; Aug 22 statements and Aug 24 KSBC 

## Key takeaways

- Karnataka State Bar Council endorsed Manan Kumar Mishra and dismissed Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy’s allegations as politically motivated.
- Reddy was removed from KSBC representation two years earlier by a 2/3 majority due to inefficiency and is not an elected KSBC member.
- The dispute references an August directive on enrolling NALSAR graduates that KSBC says lacked deliberation or authorization.

## What Happened

The Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC) issued a press release opposing allegations made by Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy against Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. KSBC said the accusations are politically motivated and baseless, and it affirmed its support for Mishra’s leadership. The KSBC release also disclosed that Reddy had been removed from KSBC membership by a 2/3rd majority two years earlier due to inefficiency and unsatisfactory performance, and that Reddy is no longer an elected member. KSBC asserted that Reddy’s August 22 letter was an attempt to create friction within the legal fraternity. In a related context, KSBC praised Mishra’s stewardship for safeguarding the autonomy of the profession and advancing welfare and digital initiatives.

Bar Council of India leadership had been under scrutiny after an August 13 direction, later withdrawn, requiring that NALSAR graduating students not be enrolled as advocates without deliberation at the council level. The KSBC statement cited this history while defending Mishra, and KSBC called on advocates to unite under Mishra’s leadership.

## Why It Matters

The dispute centers on the legitimacy and direction of the Bar Council of India’s leadership, with KSBC presenting Mishra as a stabilizing figure and framing Reddy’s criticisms as opportunistic. The conflict touches on governance norms within India's legal profession and the balance of autonomy between national and state bar bodies.

## Background

The August 13 directive regarding NALSAR graduates was described as issued without KSBC deliberation or authorization (per KSBC’s framing). Reddy, a former BCI member and co-chairman, had accused Mishra of governance issues on August 22, a claim KSBC contends is politically motivated. KSBC stated Reddy had been removed from KSBC representation by a substantial majority two years earlier and was no longer an elected member at the time of the allegations. The Bar Council of India is the national statutory body for the legal profession in India, with state bar councils like KSBC functioning alongside it.

## Key Facts

- KSBC issued a press release endorsing Manan Kumar Mishra and rejecting Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy’s August 22 allegations as politically motivated.
- Reddy was removed from KSBC representation two years prior to the KSBC statement, by a 2/3rds majority, for inefficiency and unsatisfactory performance, and is no longer an elected KSBC member.
- Reddy’s allegations relate to a contentious August 13 directive about NALSAR graduates and enrollment as advocates, which KSBC says was issued without KSBC deliberation or authorization.
- KSBC urged advocates to unite under Mishra’s leadership and highlighted Mishra’s perceived protection of professional autonomy and welfare initiatives.
- Public framing of the dispute includes the timing around Aug 22 and the KSBC press release around Aug 24, 2026.

## What Happens Next

The sources do not specify a scheduled next step beyond continued leadership at the BCI and KSBC statements of support for Mishra. No further official actions or investigations are detailed in the material provided.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/ksbc-backs-mishra-bci-row-9kozv
Reported from: Multiple Sources