The aerial part of the plant – Bauhinia rufescens (Caesalpiniaceae) which has been implicated for various traditional medicinal applications was studied. The plant extract was screened for its antimicrobial activities and for secondary metabolites. Phytochemical analysis of the crude methanol extract revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, and anthraquinones. Alkaloids, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides were not detected. The extract was active against pathogenic fungi-Trichophyton tonsurans, Aspergillus flavus and cadida albicans. A concentration dependent antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoneae. However, the extract was inactive against Salmonella parathypie A. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the plant extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis were obtained between 12.5 mg /ml – 25.0 mg/ml. The results obtained in this study have provided evidence and justification for the ethno medical use of the plants in the treatment of microbial diseases.