Supreme Court Mandates Consultation for Bar Council Policy Decisions

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Bar Council of India must consult the Attorney General and Solicitor General for any policy decisions. This decision arises from petitions challenging the extended tenure of BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra. The court's bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, emphasized the importance of legal oversight in the council's operations. Mishra, who has been in office since 2014 after a brief hiatus, faces scrutiny regarding his prolonged leadership. This ruling could significantly influence the governance of the Bar Council moving forward.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 2, 2026, 13:31 IST

Supreme Court's Directive on Bar Council Policies

New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled that the Bar Council of India (BCI) must consult both the Attorney General and the Solicitor General when making policy decisions.

This ruling came during the court's examination of petitions questioning the legality of the extended tenure of BCI chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra and calls for his removal.

The bench, which included Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, emphasized the necessity of involving the Attorney General and Solicitor General in all policy matters undertaken by the BCI.

Mishra's initial election as BCI chairman was in 2012. Although he stepped down briefly in 2014, he resumed his position in November of that year and has held the role since, as noted in the petition filed by advocate Yogamaya MG.