The West Bengal Bar Council has revoked the licence of Manojit Mishra, barring him from practicing law, after his name surfaced as the prime accused in the alleged rape of a student at South Kolkata Law College. The decision was taken during a Council meeting held on July 2, and comes seven days after receiving a formal complaint regarding the incident.
The Bar Council has also decided to remove Mishra’s name from its official roll of advocates and communicate this decision to the Bar Council of India. This move effectively disqualifies him from representing clients in any court within the state.
Mishra, who reportedly held a significant position in the Trinamool Congress’s student wing (TMCP) and was practicing at the Alipore court, is among four individuals arrested in connection with the case. The alleged incident has triggered public outrage and led to a high-level investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police, assisted by the Intelligence Department. The case has also been transferred to the Detective Department of the Kolkata Police for further probe.
In a related disciplinary action, the Governing Body of South Kolkata Law College expelled Manojit Mishra from his temporary post at the institution. Two students connected to the case were also expelled.
The Bar Council’s move to suspend Mishra’s licence is being viewed as a strong message against professional misconduct and criminal behaviour in the legal fraternity.
