he Bombay Bar Association (BBA) has strongly criticised Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra over his August 13 action against the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, stating that his subsequent apology was “belated” and could not be treated as an expression of “true remorse.”

In a letter dated August 18, the Bombay Bar Association said Mishra’s apology appeared to be an attempt to “merely assuage the situation” and questioned his decision to continue in office despite the controversy.

The Association said that, given the circumstances, Mishra “ought to have already resigned” from the post of BCI Chairman.

The BBA Standing Committee met on August 17 and 18 to deliberate on the events between August 13 and 15. According to the Association, the committee described the BCI Chairman’s August 13 communication as an “abuse” of his office, noting that it was issued without giving the affected students an opportunity to be heard.

The Association said the communication had caused “grave prejudice” to the professional careers of the NALSAR students.

The BBA, however, welcomed the BCI’s subsequent decision to withdraw and close all proceedings against the 2026 graduating batch, calling it “a step in the right direction” that helped restore faith in the BCI as a regulatory institution.

At the same time, the Association expressed “deepest anguish” over Mishra’s conduct, emphasising that the office of the BCI Chairman carries significant responsibility. It said the August 13 communication was “uncalled for” and that the action against the students did not fall within the BCI’s jurisdiction.

On August 13, the BCI Chairman had directed all State Bar Councils not to enrol students from NALSAR’s 2026 graduating batch as advocates.

The directive followed reports that a section of the outgoing students had opposed inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to the university’s convocation, reportedly in connection with his remarks concerning the NEET student protests in Delhi.

Following criticism from senior advocates and members of the Bar, the BCI Chairman announced on August 14 that all proceedings against the graduating batch would be dropped.

The NALSAR Student Bar Council subsequently condemned the August 13 communication and demanded an apology from the BCI Chairman, alleging that the action was inconsistent with the role and responsibilities of a statutory regulatory authority.

On August 15, Mishra issued a letter apologising for the controversy.

The developments have also prompted a separate challenge before the Supreme Court questioning provisions that permit the continued tenure of the same individuals in top positions of the BCI and State Bar Councils.