CJP Backs New Delhi Protest Seeking BCI Chief’s Resignation

Barely a month after a Jantar Mantar demonstration contributed to the resignation of a Union minister, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has thrown its weight behind another protest in the national capital. This time, the demand is for the resignation of Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Mishra.

Advocates’ Body Leads the Charge

The All India Young Advocates Association called for the demonstration, scheduled outside the BCI office in New Delhi. CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have publicly endorsed the protest, framing it as a peaceful push for accountability while affirming advocates’ legal rights. Notably, organizers have stressed that the movement remains firmly advocate-led, even as the CJP lends its support.

Row Traces Back to NALSAR Convocation Dispute

At the heart of the controversy is an order issued by Mishra that froze the enrolment of NALSAR University of Law graduates as practicing advocates, pending further directions. The move came after a group of NALSAR students wrote to the university’s vice-chancellor, registrar, and faculty members, objecting to a proposal to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as chief guest at their convocation ceremony. Mishra’s subsequent order against the graduating students triggered widespread criticism from legal circles, culminating in Thursday’s call for a demonstration.

The protest adds to a string of recent Delhi demonstrations that have drawn political and civil society attention, with the CJP once again positioning itself as a vocal supporter of student and advocate-led causes. As the standoff between the students and the BCI chairman continues, pressure is mounting on Mishra to respond publicly or step down from his post.