BCI Passes Resolution Against ‘Livelaw’ & Author For Publishing Article Criticizing Chairman

The Bar Council of India has passed a resolution against LiveLaw for publishing an article criticizing the various acts and decisions of BCI Chairperson, Manan Kumar Mishra.

“It is appalling to note that “Live Law” has allowed its platform to be used for a defamatory story prompted by ill-will and malice to make personal allegations against Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman, Bar Council of India”, said a press release issued by BCI.

“Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman, Bar Council of India has never misused his position for any personal political benefit”, asserted the BCI. The subject of the controversy is the article titled “Manan Kumar Mishra’s Personal & Political Battles Using BCI Chairman’s Office”, written by Vikas Bhadauria, published on June 1.

BCI said that it has resolved to “make a complaint to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting against the author Mr. Vikas Bhadauria and the news portal “Live Law” for their acts of misreporting, omission and commission, which are nothing short of yellow journalism and a scar on ideal and honest activities of the Media/Press”.

The Council will take the decision about lodging criminal case for defamation and/or suit for damages in the next meeting/s, said the Press Release. The Press Release stated that the agenda of the meeting was presided over by Mr. Satish A. Deshmukh, the Vice-Chairman of Bar Council of India because the matter related to Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra, who had requested the Vice-Chairman to preside over the meeting .

The article written by Mr. Bhadauria, referring to various statements and acts of the Chairman, stated that Mr.Manan Kumar Mishra was using his post not for the welfare of legal fraternity, but for advancing his personal and political interests.

In response, the BCI said : “The said author has done cherry picking to suit his false story and has made reference to selective portions of certain statements and communications of Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra without giving full text and proper purport which has always been to advance the cause of the bar.

The story by Mr. Vikas Bhadauria is only scandal mongering and vilification campaign against Mr. Manan Kumar Mishra and we resolve to condemn and reject it with all contempt it deserves”.

LiveLaw is yet to receive any formal notice/communication from BCI in this regard.

Source: Livelaw.in