Who is Manan Kumar Mishra? Bar Council of India Chairman at the centre of NALSAR convocation row



Manan Kumar Mishra, chairman of the Bar Council of India and BJP-nominated Rajya Sabha MP, has come under CJP's scrutiny over the NALSAR row. The BCI withdrew its order halting enrolment of 2026 graduates, while Mishra later clarified that students' interests remain his priority.File image of Manan Kumar Mishra, chairman, Bar Council of India(Screengrab)Nearly a month after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called off its protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, seeking the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the satire party has now turned its attention to Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra.Mishra, the BCI chairman and a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP), has found himself embroiled in a controversy following his remarks linked to the NALSAR University convocation, for which Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant was invited as the chief guest.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSManan Kumar Mishra is at the center of controversy due to his comments related to the NALSAR University convocation, where students opposed the invitation of Chief Justice Surya Kant as the chief guest, leading to demands for his resignation.The Cockroach Janta Party called for Mishra's resignation due to his directive that halted the enrolment of NALSAR's 2026 graduating batch, which they found disproportionate and troubling, especially in light of the students’ objections to the CJI's invitation.Mishra responded by revoking the initial order to halt NALSAR's 2026 graduates' enrolment and expressed his commitment to protecting students' rights, stating that the BCI's interests align with those of the students.The Bar Council of India is investigating allegations of organized campaigns at NALSAR against the participation of CJI Surya Kant in the convocation and has directed the university to identify those involved in instigating or organizing such actions.The BCI initially barred the enrolment of 2026 NALSAR graduates but later modified this decision, allowing all students from the batch to enroll as advocates after determining the majority were innocent of any alleged misconduct.Who is Manan Kumar Mishra?Mishra, a senior advocate, is a BJP-nominated Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar. He is also the chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), the country’s apex statutory body overseeing the legal profession, placing him at the centre of the ongoing controversy.Hailing from Bihar's Gopalganj district, Mishra holds a BSc (Hons) degree from Rajendra College, Chapra, and an LLB degree from Patna Law College. He began his legal practice at the Gopalganj Civil Court before moving to the Patna High Court in 1982. He later became a senior advocate in the Supreme Court.According to a Hindustan Times report, Mishra has served as the BCI chairman since November 2014. In 2025, he was re-elected as chairman for a seventh consecutive term. The BCI chairman is elected for a two-year term.Beyond his legal career, Mishra has also had a political career. He contested the 2010 Bihar Assembly election as a Congress candidate before switching to the BJP. In 2024, the BJP nominated him for a Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar, and he was elected unopposed.Why is CJP calling for Mishra's resignation?Reports said NALSAR students had urged the administration to reconsider its decision to invite Kant as a guest, referring to remarks he made in July while hearing a petition alleging police excesses against protesters in New Delhi. When a lawyer offered video evidence, Kant said the court was “not interested” in viewing it and asked the petitioners not to waste the court’s time. Around 450 students reportedly supported the request.The BCI chairman recently came under fire from CJP, which called for his resignation in an “isteefa do” post following a dispute involving students at NALSAR University of Law in Hyderabad. On Thursday, the Bar Council temporarily halted the enrolment of the university’s entire 2026 graduating batch.Following the BCI's

Seven people were arrested as the Jharkhand Crime Investigation Department (CID) conducted raids at multiple locations across the state in connection with alleged irregularities in various competitive examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC).According to a press release by the Jharkhand CID, the raids were carried out to arrest seven accused named in Case No. 16/2026 and execute warrants issued against them.Who are the 7 accused?The accused were identified as Aditya Pandey, Pawan Kumar Singh, Ravishankar Kumar, Santosh Kumar Singh, Sanand Prakash, Lalu Kumar Yadav and Saurabh Kumar Pandey.The CID conducted searches at different locations in several districts as part of the investigation and efforts to apprehend the accused.The case pertains to alleged irregularities in various competitive examinations conducted by the JPSC.During the investigation, the CID said it also started the process of matching OMR carbon copies obtained during the probe and examining the evidence collected in the case.The agency said the investigation is being conducted continuously and further action will be taken as per the law on the basis of the evidence gathered.The CID said the process of taking legally permissible action against those found involved in the case is underway.Earlier on Thursday, the Ranchi Police registered an FIR against approximately 300 unidentified persons in connection with the August 10 'Vidhan Sabha gherao' march.Jharkhand protestThe development comes as the protests by the JPSC-JSSC aspirants continue at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. They have been demanding a CBI probe into alleged corruption in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations.The students' protest against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations entered its 21st day on Friday, with demonstrators planning to take out a 'Tiranga Yatra' on the occasion of the country's 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, news agency PTI reported.They also cautioned the Ranchi district administration against an FIR lodged over the violence during the August 10 march towards the state assembly, asserting that the 'Tiranga Yatra' on Independence Day would further strengthen their movement.Earlier on Thursday, the Ranchi Police registered an FIR against approximately 300 unidentified persons in connection with the August 10 'Vidhan Sabha gherao' march.Police allege that anti-social elements took advantage of the protest march and attempted to worsen the situation by pelting stones and attacking police personnel.The protesting aspirants have been demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities, and reforms in the recruitment process. They have alleged that their demands have not been fully accepted by the state government.Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 11 days, issued a fervent appeal from his medical bed on Friday, cautioning participants against active attempts to derail and fracture the student movement in Jharkhand."Attempts are being made to divert the direction of the movement. Due to this movement, an inquiry committee has been formed today, and so much action is taking place. The government is also positively listening to our points, but complete justice is still pending. Some people, almost 29-30 days after the start of my movement, want to break this movement and divert its direction," he said."When the time comes, I will make all the revelations, but I urge the innocent students: please neither divert this movement nor let it be diverted, nor let it break nor scatter. Whatever the circumstances, save the movement and stay united. Very soon, I will come among you all from the hospital. I have also made a request from the hospital," Mahto was quoted by ANI as saying.Meanwhile, student protestor Prem Nayak also informed that another round of talks wit

Live UpdatesJharkhand protest LIVE: The Jharkhand government has been slammed by both the Congress and the BJP for police action on student protestors on Monday, with the BJP having called for a ‘statewide bandh' on Tuesday. The action was also criticised by Rahul Gandhi.Ranchi: Security personnel disperse student protesters during a lathi-charge outside the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly's Gate No. 1 during the 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march over recruitment examination irregularities, in Ranchi, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.(PTI)Jharkhand protest LIVE: Jharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Aditya Sahu has launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren-led government over police action during the JPSC-JSSC aspirants' protest march in Ranchi on Monday, alleging that hundreds of students were injured in the lathicharge and announcing support for the party's call for a 'statewide bandh' on Tuesday (today).Ranchi police used water canons to disperse the protesters on Tuesday who were taking out a 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march, while a student was seen climbing over the barricades and dancing. According to PTI, students breached barbed-wire barricades and moved towards the Vidhan Sabha during their protest over recruitment examination issues.The protesting aspirants have been demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities, and reforms in the recruitment process.What the government saidChief Minister Hemant Soren has said that his government respects the students' right to express their concerns and assured that their demands would be addressed through dialogue. He also thanked administrative and police officials for handling the situation with "restraint, sensitivity, and a deep sense of responsibility".JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto admitted to Ranchi Sadar HospitalIn the meanwhile, after a nine-day hunger strike, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto was admitted to Sadar Hospital in Ranchi.Mahto participated in the 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march despite his deteriorating health.Rahul Gandhi condemns police action on studentsCongress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, condemned violence against peacefully protesting students and said their grievances should be resolved through dialogue.In a post on X, Gandhi said, "The use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand is wrong. Students have a right to peaceful protest, and only dialogue can yield solutions.""The Jharkhand government must continue to hear these students out and resolve their issues immediately," he added.Follow updates here:11 Aug 2026, 06:51:44 AM ISTJharkhand protest LIVE: "At least 100 youth subjected to lathicharges" injured protestor saysSpeaking to ANI about the incident, injured protester Shivam said, "We were sitting outside the Legislative Assembly, waiting for the government (officials or leaders) to come and provide a response, but there was no sign of the government. However, the police arrived, and without any warning or prior exchange of words, they immediately started a lathicharge."11 Aug 2026, 06:51:44 AM ISTJharkhand protest LIVE: Statewide bandh today as BJP protests police actionJharkhand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Aditya Sahu launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren-led government over the police action during the JPSC-JSSC aspirants' protest march here, alleging that hundreds of students were injured in the lathicharge and announcing support for the party's call for a 'statewide bandh' on Tuesday (today). (ANI)About the AuthorSayak BasuSayak Basu is a digital journalist with more than seven years of experience in covering general news, politics, science, cricket, and football. He brings a sharp editorial eye and a keen attention to detail in the newsroom. Sayak focuses on breaking stories, analysis of political and sporting events, and new scientific research that is pushing the limits of civilisation. H

Live UpdatesJharkhand protest LIVE: Student protesters are set to hold their planned 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march on Monday, August 10. Meanwhile, BJP leaders were detained by police on Monday while protesting outside Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's residence over JPSC-JSSC alleged irregularities.Jharkhand protest LIVE: Students hold placards at the protest site against the paper leak of JPSC exam, in Ranchi on Sunday. (ANI Photo)(ANI)Jharkhand protest LIVE: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were detained by police on Monday while protesting outside Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence over JPSC-JSSC alleged irregularities.The incident was reported as student protesters are set to hold their planned 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march on Monday, August 10. Several students gathered at the Old State Assembly for their march to the new Assembly building on Monday, as they continue their protest over JPSC-JSSC's alleged irregularities.Job aspirants affiliated with the 'JPSC JSSC Reform Manch' were seen wearing customised white T-shirts marked "VOLUNTEER" as they prepared to march toward the Jharkhand State Assembly for a planned 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' demonstration.Speaking to ANI from inside a vehicle while moving toward the assembly premises, student leader Ravindra Paswan reiterated that thousands of aspirants from across the state's 24 districts have gathered in Ranchi to demand transparent recruitment practices."All students and youth from across Jharkhand are assembling at the old Vidhan Sabha location to launch our march," student leader Ravindra Paswan said. “I appeal to all students and citizens through the media that our march will be completely peaceful and conducted constitutionally.”Key Events10 Aug 2026, 11:00 AM IST10 Aug 2026, 10:57 AM IST10 Aug 2026, 10:57 AM ISTFollow updates here:10 Aug 2026, 11:00:31 AM ISTJharkhand protest LIVE: Ahead of students' march, security tightened outside state AssemblySecurity has been tightened outside State Assembly in Ranchi in view of JPSC-JSCC aspirants' call for Vidhan Sabha march to the State Assembly today.Ahead of the protest march, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Jharkhand, Manoj Kaushik, said comprehensive security measures are being put in place for August 10 march."Our priority remains ensuring safety and preventing any harm or adverse action against any student. We urge them that if they wish to protest, they should do so in a completely peaceful manner...," he said.10 Aug 2026, 10:57:33 AM ISTJharkhand protest LIVE: Student protestors in Ranchi begin march to AssemblyAccording to PTI, job aspirants affiliated with the 'JPSC JSSC Reform Manch' assembled at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi on Monday, wearing customised white T-shirts marked "VOLUNTEER" as they prepared to march toward the Jharkhand State Assembly for a planned 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' demonstration.A video by ANI showed students gathering at the Old State Assembly for their march to the new Assembly building.10 Aug 2026, 10:57:33 AM ISTJharkhand protest LIVE: BJP leaders detainedBJP leaders, protesting outside the CM residence, detained by the Police. Theu are protesting over JPSC-JSSC alleged irregularities..About the AuthorAkriti AnandAkriti Anand is a Deputy Chief Content Producer at LiveMint. She is a digital journalist with more than six years in the news industry. In her current role, she covers both national and international politics, and also keeps a close watch on the latest trends in science and space exploration. Akriti joined the LiveMint team in October 2023. Before this, she built a strong career at other major media houses. She worked as a senior sub-editor at India Today. Later, she moved to CNBCTV-18. There, she covered high-pressure topics like breaking news and major elections. She spent much of her time analysing Parliament bills and complex political debates. She is also a skilled editor who knows how to poli

After three days of marathon talks between JPSC-JSSC protesters and government representatives, student protesters said they will hold their 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march in Ranchi, Jharkhand, as planned on Monday, August 10.They insisted on their demand for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe protesters are demanding a CBI inquiry into alleged irregularities, cancellation of the JPSC examination, transparency in evaluation processes, disclosure of cut-offs and answer sheets, and a recruitment calendar similar to those of UPSC and SSC.Students remain firm on their demand for a CBI investigation into the JSSC-CGL examination and other recruitment exams, which the government has not agreed to, leading them to continue their protests.The government has agreed to cancel the 14th JPSC examination and initiate CID and ED probes into the alleged irregularities while maintaining that a CBI inquiry cannot be conducted due to the examination's judicial oversight.The Ranchi police have stated that comprehensive security measures are in place, including the deployment of adequate forces and instructions for police personnel to ensure that the protest remains peaceful.Protesters have rejected the alternative judicial oversight proposal, insisting that their demands, especially for a CBI inquiry, must be fulfilled before considering any agreement with the government.Student leader Kunal said on Sunday, "Let me clarify that our Vidhan Sabha gherao will continue peacefully. Our demand is for a CBI inquiry; we will not compromise on that."The protest in Jharkhand began after the announcement of the results of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination on July 5, with aspirants alleging irregularities in the recruitment process.The students have been demanding cancellation of allegedly tainted examinations, a CBI probe, transparency in evaluation, disclosure of cut-offs and answer sheets, strict action against those responsible, and a recruitment calendar on the lines of UPSC and SSC.'Ranchi Police is fully prepared'Ahead of the protest march, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Jharkhand, Manoj Kaushik, said comprehensive security measures are being put in place for August 10 march."Our priority remains ensuring safety and preventing any harm or adverse action against any student. We urge them that if they wish to protest, they should do so in a completely peaceful manner...," he said.Ranchi City SP Paras Rana also said adequate forces would be deployed during the protest."Precautionary force deployment will be carried out effectively; the Ranchi Police is fully prepared. There will be a large number of students. Instructions have been issued to all Ranchi Police personnel that if the protesters conduct themselves peacefully, no inconvenience will be done to anyone," Rana was quoted by PTI as saying.He warned that if anyone attempts to resort to violence, appropriate legal action will be taken against them.'Pellet gun is strictly for...'On Sunday, Rana clarified a viral video showing police personnel carrying a weapon. He said it was a paintball gun and not a pellet gun."If a pellet gun is being carried, it is strictly for emergency situations. Regarding the viral video--what is being mistaken for a pellet gun is actually a paintball gun; it fires soft, colored balls used to mark and identify troublemakers. It is not a pellet gun," he was quoted by PTI as saying.BJP targets Jharkhand govt over ‘barbed wire’ and barricadesBJP leader Champai Soren said in a post in X, “This barbed wire-laden scene is not some international border, but rather the sight in Ranchi, where barbed wire has been strung atop barricades to stop the protests of students...”"If this isn't dictatorship, then what is?... If
The standoff between the Jharkhand government and candidates protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations continued on Saturday, even as the state held talks with multiple student groups and offered to seek suggestions on reforms.The protests, which have continued for 15 days, demands the cancellation of several examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), an independent probe into alleged irregularities and changes to the recruitment process.What happened on Saturday?The Jharkhand government held separate meetings with several groups representing protesting aspirants in an attempt to resolve the deadlock.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe protesting students are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination, an independent investigation into alleged irregularities, and structural reforms in the recruitment processes of JPSC and JSSC.The protests are mainly due to allegations of irregularities in recent JPSC and JSSC examinations, leading candidates to demand greater transparency and reforms in the recruitment process.The protests have been ongoing for 15 days, with several students participating in an indefinite hunger strike to raise awareness about their demands.The Jharkhand government has held meetings with various student groups, acknowledged the demands as genuine, and created a dedicated email to collect suggestions for reforming the recruitment process.The protesting students believe that dialogue will not be sufficient unless their specific demands are met, stating they will continue their protests regardless of ongoing discussions.According to PTI, a five-member government panel, including three ministers, first met representatives of the JPSC-JSSC Candidates' Forum led by JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto. The panel subsequently held discussions with delegations from the Congress-backed NSUI, Akhil Chhatra Sangh (ACS) and Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha (JCM).The talks, however, failed to end the agitation. Protesters said they would continue their demonstrations until their demands were met.State minister Sanjay Prasad Yadav described the demands of the protesting aspirants as "genuine" and said they would be placed before Chief Minister Hemant Soren.What has the government offered?The state government has said it will continue discussions with different student organisations and other stakeholders before framing a reform policy.Higher and technical education minister Sudivya Kumar said the government had created a dedicated email address to receive suggestions from students and other stakeholders on reforms to the recruitment process.The government has also indicated that discrepancies highlighted by students would be examined and resolved.However, protesters have said dialogue alone will not end the agitation unless their demands are addressed.What are the students demanding?The demands vary somewhat between different groups, but a common demand is cancellation of examinations they allege were affected by irregularities.The JPSC-JSSC Candidates' Forum has demanded immediate cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and an independent investigation into alleged irregularities.Other groups have sought cancellation of various JSSC examinations conducted after 2019, including the CGL, JE and PGT exams.The protesters are also demanding a probe by the CBI or a panel of retired high court judges from outside Jharkhand.Among other demands are disclosure of category-wise cut-offs, OMR sheets and response sheets, along with a recruitment calendar on the lines of the UPSC and SSC.The NSUI has also demanded a CID probe into JPSC and JSSC examinations under suspicion and the creation of a Jharkhand Testing Agency on the lines of the National Testing Agency.How long has the protest continued?The agitation has now entered its 15th day. Several candidates are on an indefinite hunger st
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