BCI issues interim stay on Telangana Bar Council committees | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Bar Council of India (BCI) on Friday issued an interim stay on the constitution of various committees by the newly formed Bar Council of Telangana. The direction, issued by BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, followed appeals filed by Telangana Bar Council vice-chairman Venkat Yadav Chalakani and members Ponnam Ashok Goud, Rohini Smitha C., K Sunil Goud and MAK Mukheed.The petitioners challenged the proceedings of the general body meeting held on Oct 11 and the minutes recorded subsequently, alleging that members’ objections and dissents had been omitted. They also argued that the State Bar Council chairman had constituted various committees, including the executive, enrolment and disciplinary committees, without conducting the mandatory statutory elections or co-options under the Advocates Act and without consulting 10 designated members.Noting a strong prima facie case, Manan Kumar Mishra said resolutions authorising the constitution of committees could not bypass statutory requirements for elections. Pending a final decision, BCI directed the State Bar Council to submit complete records and its responses within four weeks. Meanwhile, an interim panel comprising the chairman, vice-chairman and a BCI member of Telangana Bar Council will oversee urgent enrolment matters to prevent disruptions.