SC Directs BCI To Consult AG, Solicitor General On Policy Decisions

NEW DELHI, Sept 2: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to take all policy decisions in consultation with the Attorney General for India and the Solicitor General for India.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the direction while hearing pleas challenging the prolonged tenure of BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra and seeking his removal from the post.

The bench said the Attorney General and Solicitor General should be actively associated with every policy decision taken by the BCI.

“Both the Attorney General for India and the Solicitor General for India shall be actively associated with every policy decision taken by the Bar Council of India,” the bench said.

The court was hearing petitions questioning the legality of Mishra’s continued tenure as BCI chairman.

According to a plea filed by advocate Yogamaya MG, Mishra was first elected BCI chairman for a term ending in 2012. Though he briefly demitted office in 2014, he returned as chairman in November of the same year and has continued in the position since then.

The petitions have raised concerns over the prolonged continuation of the BCI chairperson and sought judicial intervention regarding his tenure.

The Supreme Court’s direction comes as the pleas challenging Mishra’s tenure remain under consideration. (Agencies)