BCI mandates criminal background checks and declarations for law students

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has introduced new regulations to enhance transparency and uphold ethical standards in legal education. These rules mandate criminal background checks, academic and employment declarations, and stricter attendance monitoring for law students.

In Short

• BCI issues new regulations for law education
• Law students must disclose criminal records
• Simultaneous degree programs prohibited

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has recently issued a detailed notification, introducing several new regulatory measures aimed at fostering transparency and ethical standards within the legal profession. These regulations, which apply to all Centres of Legal Education (CLEs), including law colleges and universities, emphasise integrity by requiring criminal background checks, declarations related to academic and employment status, and strict adherence to attendance policies.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR LAW STUDENTS

A prominent aspect of the BCI’s new regulations is the mandate for law students to disclose any involvement in criminal cases. This includes detailing any FIRs filed, convictions, or acquittals. The goal is to ensure that individuals entering the legal profession have a clean criminal record. Failure to provide accurate information could lead to serious consequences, such as the withholding of final degrees or marksheets.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND SIMULTANEOUS DEGREE PROGRAMMES

The BCI has reaffirmed the stipulation outlined in Chapter II, Rule 6 of the Rules of Legal Education (2008), which prohibits law students from pursuing another regular degree simultaneously. This measure ensures that students remain fully focused on their LLB studies. If a student is found to be enrolled in another academic programme without proper approval, they may be denied their final academic credentials.

EMPLOYMENT DECLARATIONS AND ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

In addition to academic integrity, students must also declare their employment status. The BCI requires that students not be employed in any capacity during their LLB programme unless they have obtained and approved No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer.

Non-compliance in this area could also lead to degrees being withheld. Moreover, CLEs are tasked with enforcing strict attendance requirements, as outlined in Rule 12 of the BCI Rules of Legal Education. Any discrepancies related to employment or attendance must be reported to the BCI.

BIOMETRIC ATTENDANCE AND CCTV SURVEILLANCE

To ensure the accuracy of attendance records, the BCI mandates the installation of biometric attendance systems across all CLEs. These systems are intended to provide a reliable and transparent method of tracking student attendance. Additionally, the BCI requires the installation of CCTV cameras in classrooms and other important areas within the institution. Footage from these cameras must be preserved for a minimum of one year, providing a means for verification or investigation if necessary.

Click here to check the official notice

These new measures reflect the BCI’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and accountability within the legal profession, starting from a student's academic journey.