Karnataka State Bar Council Chairman backs Manan Kumar Mishra, rejects allegations by YR Sadasiva Reddy

The Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC) has condemned allegations levelled against Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra by co-chairman of the BCI and former KSBC member YR Sadasiva Reddy, calling them unfounded and fuelled by political motivations.

In a press release issued on August 24, KSBC nominated Chairman Kamaraddi VD said,

"While the newly elected members of the KSBC await the formal takeover of office as per BCI guidelines, myself the Chairman, as the administrator of the Karnataka State Bar Council, reiterates absolute faith and confidence in favor of Shri Manan Kumar Mishra leading the Bar Council of India."

YR Sadasiva Reddy had called for Mishra's resignation on the grounds that the BCI's August 13 direction (later withdrawn) to bar NALSAR graduating students from enrolment as advocates was issued without the Council's deliberation, resolution or authorisation.

KSBC contended that Reddy's decade-long tenure in the BCI has been without objection to the functioning of the BCI and that his August 22 letter was aimed at creating friction within the legal fraternity.

"His sudden, opportunistic grievances- raised years after these decisions were executed - demonstrate a clear lack of bona fides."

The KSBC further stated that it had removed Reddy with a 2/3rd majority on the grounds of inefficient and unsatisfactory performance. This was 2 years after it had recommended Reddy's name as its representative on the BCI.

"It is ironic that an individual previously removed by his home State Bar Council for inefficiency now seeks to question the credentials of the BCI Chairman," reads the press release.

KSBC further questioned Reddy's authority as he is no longer an elected member. It claimed that he has a personal agenda in seeking Mishra's removal. Moreover, it stated,

"Under the stewardship of Shri Manan Kumar Mishra, the Bar Council of India has consistently protected the autonomy of the profession, strengthened advocate welfare initiatives, upgraded digital infrastructure, and resolved institutional matters through constructive, democratic dialogue...

...We appeal to the advocates of Karnataka and across India to reject politically motivated distractions and remain united under the vision and leadership of Shri Manan Kumar Mishra."

On August 22, Mishra rejected Reddy's statement and said that he had defended Reddy when the KSBC had passed a no-confidence motion against him.

[Read KSBC Press Release]