The four dentate $N_2O_2$ Schiff base ligand of bis(2-hydroxyacetophenone)-1,2-propanediimine (BHAPN) and its manganese (III) complex were synthesized and identified by microanalysis, spectral data ($^1H$ NMR, MS, FT-IR and UV-Visible) and molar conductivity measurement. The mild and efficient homogeneous oxidative decarboxylation of some carboxylic acids by catalytic amount of this manganese (III) complex, using tetrabutylamonium periodate as a mild oxidant in chloroform at room temperature is reported. The catalyst used in this study showed good activity for the decarboxylation of the titled compounds.