Rehan Khan
On 24th September, the Bar Council of India (BCI) released a notification imposing strict regulations on all Centers of Legal Education (CLEs) throughout the country. This notification is addressed to universities, law colleges, and law students, and introduces new requirements aimed at enhancing transparency and integrity within the legal profession.
Key Features of the Notification:
- Criminal Background Checks and Declarations
Law students are now required to submit detailed declarations regarding any criminal cases, ongoing or past, alongside their academic and employment status. This measure ensures that only students who demonstrate the highest ethical standards are permitted to enter the legal profession. Institutions are instructed to withhold final marksheets and degrees until these declarations are submitted. Moreover, any involvement in criminal activities, such as a pending FIR or conviction, must be disclosed. Failure to provide accurate information will lead to strict disciplinary actions, including withholding degrees. All criminal cases reported by students must be submitted to the BCI for review before degrees are granted. - Restrictions on Simultaneous Degree Programs
In compliance with Chapter II, Rule 6 of the Rules of Legal Education (2008), law students are prohibited from pursuing any other full-time academic degree alongside their LL.B. studies. They are required to declare that they are not enrolled in any simultaneous full-time program, although part-time certificate courses may be allowed under certain conditions. Violations of this rule will result in penalties. - Employment Status and Attendance Compliance
Law students must also disclose their employment status during the LL.B. course. As per BCI norms, students working without a valid No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their institution will face academic consequences. Additionally, proof of compliance with attendance requirements must be provided, and institutions are expected to report non-compliance cases to the BCI before issuing final degrees. - Biometric Attendance and Surveillance Measures
To ensure compliance with attendance rules, the BCI has mandated the installation of biometric attendance systems in all law colleges. Furthermore, the installation of CCTV cameras in classrooms and other essential areas is required, with footage retained for a year to support any investigations concerning student attendance or conduct.
Additional Notifications: The BCI has also issued two supplementary notifications. One clarifies the approval process for offering dual or joint degree programs with foreign universities, emphasizing the necessity of BCI approval. The other provides guidelines for submitting documents required for provisional affiliation approval, ensuring adherence to the BCI Legal Education Rules and judicial mandates.