Bar Council calls for upholding sanctity of Legal Education by Higher Education Institutes and State Governments

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has underscored the critical role of universities and government bodies in maintaining the integrity and quality of legal education across the nation.

In a circular addressed to vice-chancellors and higher education departments nationwide, the BCI has emphasized the necessity for active involvement and cooperation in safeguarding the standards of legal education. The circular, issued by BCI secretary Srimanto Sen, highlights the BCI's resolution passed in June 2015, urging state governments and universities to impose restrictions on the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for new law institutes and affiliations for a period of three years.

Concerns over unchecked proliferation of Law Colleges

Despite the BCI's resolution and subsequent circulars, over 300 NOCs were issued by state governments, leading to the affiliation of numerous new law colleges. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for stricter regulatory measures to curb the unchecked growth of law colleges throughout the country.

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The circular stresses that while the BCI plays a regulatory role, the responsibility for addressing the proliferation of substandard law colleges does not solely rest on its shoulders. It emphasizes the indispensable role of universities and government bodies in achieving the shared goal of maintaining the highest standards of legal education.

Key guidelines and responsibilities

The circular outlines suggested guidelines for the grant of NOCs, emphasizing factors such as financial viability and compliance with regulatory standards. It emphasizes the three crucial stages of establishing a law college: obtaining an NOC from the state government, university affiliation, and BCI approval. The BCI emphasizes the importance of meticulous adherence to these stages to mitigate the proliferation of substandard law colleges.

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The BCI appeals to universities and state education ministries to collaborate with the BCI in its efforts to uphold the sanctity and quality of legal education in India. Recognizing the pivotal roles played by universities and government bodies, the BCI emphasizes the need for collective action to address the challenges facing legal education standards in the country.