CJP backs protest demanding Bar Council chief Manan Mishra's resignation
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is supporting a protest demanding the resignation of Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. The protest, called by the All India Young Advocates Association (AIYAA), is over a controversial, now-withdrawn BCI directive concerning NALSAR University law graduates.
Key Highlights
- CJP supports protest against BCI Chairman Manan Mishra.
- Protest stems from NALSAR student enrolment controversy.
- AIYAA called the protest; CJP leaders voiced support.
- Mishra's directive to bar NALSAR graduates was withdrawn.
- Calls for resignation follow BCI's handling of the NALSAR issue.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical political movement founded by Abhijeet Dipke, has publicly backed a protest demanding the resignation of Manan Kumar Mishra, the Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI). This protest, initiated by the All India Young Advocates Association (AIYAA), is a direct consequence of a controversial directive issued by the BCI, under Mishra's leadership, concerning the enrolment of the 2026 graduating batch of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.
The controversy erupted when a section of NALSAR students objected to the proposal of inviting Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant as the chief guest for their convocation. In response, the BCI, on August 13, 2026, issued an order directing all State Bar Councils not to enrol any of the NALSAR graduates from the 2026 batch as advocates. This directive was allegedly issued without granting the students an opportunity for a hearing and was seen by many as an overreach of the BCI's authority, potentially prejudicing the students' professional careers.
The BCI's order quickly drew widespread criticism from various legal bodies and individuals. The Bombay Bar Association condemned the BCI chairman's actions, calling his subsequent apology belated and stating that he ought to have resigned. The CJI himself also criticized the BCI's intervention, deeming it unnecessary and affirming the students' right to protest. The Supreme Court issued an interim order preventing punitive action against NALSAR students or faculty.
In the face of mounting backlash, the BCI withdrew its directive. A subsequent modified order clarified that the majority of students were innocent and should not be penalized. Manan Kumar Mishra also issued an apology on Independence Day, expressing regret if his words or communications had hurt the students' feelings.
Despite the withdrawal of the order and the apology, the demand for Mishra's resignation has persisted. The CJP, which had previously gained prominence through its involvement in protests leading to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has now thrown its support behind the AIYAA's call for Mishra's resignation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with other CJP leaders like Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have publicly endorsed the protest, using the term 'legal cockroaches' in their social media posts, a reference to remarks made by the CJI in the past.
The protest, scheduled for August 20, 2026, aims to demand accountability from the BCI chairman. Advocates and legal collectives, including the All India Lawyers Association for Justice, National Alliance for Justice Accountability and Rights, and Queer Lawyers Association, have also joined the chorus demanding Mishra's resignation, with some suggesting a no-confidence motion if he does not step down.
This situation highlights ongoing debates within the Indian legal fraternity regarding the autonomy of legal education, the authority of the BCI, and the rights of law students to express their dissent. The CJP's involvement, echoing its previous successful protest strategies, adds another layer to the political and social dynamics surrounding this issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for the protest against the Bar Council of India Chairman?
The protest is primarily against Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra due to a now-withdrawn directive that barred the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law's 2026 graduating batch as advocates. This directive was issued after some students objected to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant being invited as the convocation chief guest.
Who is the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and why are they involved?
The CJP is a youth-based satirical political movement founded by Abhijeet Dipke. They are backing the protest demanding Mishra's resignation, leveraging their history of organizing protests and their social media influence. Their involvement amplifies the pressure on the BCI Chairman.
What was the Bar Council of India's directive regarding NALSAR students?
The BCI, under Manan Kumar Mishra, initially directed all State Bar Councils not to enroll graduates from NALSAR University of Law's 2026 batch as advocates. This order was issued after some students expressed objections to the Chief Justice of India attending their convocation.
Has Manan Kumar Mishra apologized or withdrawn the directive?
Yes, Manan Kumar Mishra has withdrawn the directive concerning NALSAR students and has also issued an apology, expressing regret if his words or communications had hurt the feelings of the law students. However, calls for his resignation continue.
