On 23 July 2026, Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman and Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra issued a press release titled ‘An Appeal to the Intellectuals of the Country’. Addressed to lawyers, teachers, professors, doctors, engineers, journalists, entrepreneurs, social workers, students and other citizens, the appeal urged vigilance against what it described as attempts by ‘anti-social’ and ‘anti-national’ elements to incite unrest and undermine the country’s progress.
Key Takeaways:
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The BCI Chairman issued a public appeal to lawyers, intellectuals and citizens across the country.
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The appeal calls upon members of the legal profession and other professionals to place national interest above partisan considerations.
It states: ‘The Bar Council of India therefore appeals to every responsible citizen, irrespective of profession, region, language, religion or political preference, to place the nation above partisan considerations.
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The statement expresses concern over alleged efforts by anti-national elements and foreign adversaries to create unrest and influence public opinion.
It states that: ‘Foreign adversaries are acting with the intent to destabilize India,’
It further alleges: ‘Anti-social and anti-national forces have hijacked their agitation; the expressed objective of the anti-nationals is to undermine and ruin our country, as has occurred elsewhere in recent past.’
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The BCI urged lawyers, teachers, doctors, engineers, journalists and other professionals to uphold constitutional values, discourage misinformation and help protect public order.
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The appeal emphasises that democratic dissent must remain peaceful, lawful and consistent with constitutional principles.
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Press Release states that violence, vandalism and attacks on public property cannot be justified as forms of democratic participation.
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Teachers and professors were urged to guide students responsibly and help them avoid misinformation and activities that may adversely affect their education and future.
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Doctors, engineers, scientists, journalists and other professionals were encouraged to use their influence responsibly and promote reasoned public discourse.
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Parents and guardians were advised to remain attentive to the activities and influences affecting young people and to promote constructive civic engagement.
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The appeal calls upon professional bodies, universities, colleges, hospitals, research institutions, industry associations and civil society organisations to uphold constitutional values and peaceful public engagement.
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Lawyers and community leaders were urged to persuade students and younger generations to stay away from unlawful activities and anti-social and anti-national influences.
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The statement calls for cooperation among institutions, political stakeholders, law-enforcement agencies and civil society to promote peace, democratic values and the rule of law.
It concludes with the appeal: ‘Let unity, respect for the rule of law, and civic responsibility guide our response so that peace and democratic values prevail and let the selfish politicians fail’.
