BCI mandates criminal background checks, biometric attendance, CCTV in law colleges

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a notification mandating stringent measures for all Centers of Legal Education (CLEs) across the country.

The notification, addressed to universities, law colleges and students, introduces a system for conducting criminal background checks on law students, along with declarations regarding simultaneous academic pursuits, employment status and attendance compliance.

As per the notification issued in response to judicial observations made in certain cases, the BCI aims to ensure that students entering the legal profession maintain the highest levels of integrity and transparency.

It has instructed universities and law colleges to immediately comply with these requirements.

Law students are now required to submit detailed declarations concerning any ongoing or past criminal cases, simultaneous degree programs, and their employment status during their LL.B. course.

These declarations must be provided before students are issued their final marksheets and degrees.

Criminal background checks

Students are required to compulsorily disclose any first information report (FIR), criminal case, conviction, or acquittal against them.

Institutions must report any such cases to the BCI and await its decision before awarding degrees.

Students failing to make truthful disclosures will face strict disciplinary actions, including the withholding of degrees.

Simultaneous degree programs

In line with Chapter II, Rule 6 of the Rules of Legal Education (2008), students are prohibited from pursuing more than one regular academic program simultaneously along with their LL.B. course.

Students must declare that they have not been engaged in any other full-time degree program during their studies, with only certain part-time certificate courses allowed under the Rules.

Employment status and attendance compliance

Students must also disclose their employment status and provide proof of compliance with attendance norms as per the BCI Rules.

Any student found working without a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) during their studies will face academic penalties. CLEs are required to report such cases to the BCI and await clearance before issuing degrees.

Biometric attendance and CCTV surveillance

The BCI has directed all law colleges to install biometric attendance systems to ensure accurate tracking of student attendance.

Additionally, CLEs must install CCTV cameras in classrooms and other key areas of the institution. CCTV footage will be preserved for a year to support investigations into attendance and student conduct.

In addition to this notification, the BCI has issued two more notifications. One clarifies the need for BCI approval when offering dual or joint degree programs with foreign universities, while the other outlines the process for submitting documents required for provisional affiliation approval and compliance with the BCI Legal Education Rules and judicial directives.