The Karnataka State Bar Council (KSBC) on Monday backed Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, condemning the letter written by Bengaluru-based Senior Advocate Y R Sadasiva Reddy asking Mishra to resign from his post.Nominated KSBC chairman V D Kamaraddi said in a statement, “KSBC firmly dismisses and condemns the recent letter dated August 22, 2026, issued by former member Shri Y R Sadasiva Reddy. The allegations contained therein are politically motivated, baseless, and aimed at creating artificial friction within the legal fraternity.”Further, it was claimed that under Manan Kumar Mishra, the BCI has consistently protected the autonomy of the profession, strengthened advocate welfare initiatives, upgraded digital infrastructure, and resolved institutional matters through constructive, democratic dialogue.Also Read | Bar of this country deserves better: 2 BCI members demand Mishra’s resignationIn the statement, Kamaraddi further said, “We appeal to the advocates of Karnataka and across India to reject politically motivated distractions and remain united under the vision and leadership of Manan Kumar Mishra.”In his six-page letter written on Saturday, Reddy had said, “I hold no personal animosity towards you (Mishra). I have served alongside you on this Council for a decade. It is precisely because I have watched this institution from within for that period that I am able to say, with a clear conscience, that it will not recover while you remain in the Chair. Standing down now, on your own accord, is the one course still open to you that would be to your credit.”Meanwhile, the KSBC on Monday also stated that Reddy did not contest the recent Karnataka State Bar Council elections and is no longer an elected member.Controversy surrounding BCI chairmanMishra landed in controversy after he issued a directive on August 13, asking state Bar councils not to enroll students of NALSAR’s 2026 batch following a campaign started by around 450 NALSAR students opposing CJI Surya Kant being invited to the university convocation.Story continues below this adMishra withdrew the circular within hours, saying the BCI had closed the proceedings after concluding that the students had “no role in any disturbance or movement”.In addition to Reddy, Senior Advocate Manoj Kumar N, the Vice-Chairman of the BCI Executive Committee, had on Saturday sought Mishra’s removal during a BCI General Council meeting.