BCI makes criminal background checks of law students mandatory. Details inside

The Bar Council of India (BCI) recently demanded that law schools immediately introduce a slew of regulatory measures such as a system for checking students’ criminal history, compliance with attendance requirements, CCTV surveillance at institutions and verification of statements of students about their academic achievement goals and work status. Candidates pursuing LLB courses can check the rules and regulations on the official website www.barcouncilofindia.org. The official notice said: “In response to judicial observations regarding the need to monitor the antecedents and background of law students, the Bar Council of India hereby issues this notification for immediate introduction of a criminal background check system and calls for clarifications regarding the Tracking concurrent degrees, employment status, and attendance compliance at all legal education centers.” Let’s take a look at the new rules in detail.

Criminal background check of the candidate is mandatory

According to the BCI notification, before receiving their final marks and degrees, law students must ensure that they inform the BCI about any FIR or criminal cases that may be lodged against them. If a student is found guilty, they must also provide proof of their release from prison or completion of their sentence. If a student fails to disclose this information, disciplinary action may be taken against them and their diploma and transcript may be withheld.

Information about the qualifications achieved by the candidates

The restriction contained in Chapter II, Rule 6 of the Rules of Legal Education (2008) prohibiting law students from simultaneously pursuing any other regular qualification has been reiterated by the BCI. This step guarantees that students can concentrate fully on their LLB coursework. A student may lose their academic credentials if they are found to be enrolled in another academic program without the required authorization. Students are required to disclose not only their academic integrity but also their employment status. According to the BCI, students are not allowed to engage in any activity while enrolled in an LLB course unless their employer has issued them a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Employment status of candidates

Rejections in this area can also lead to the qualification being revoked. Pursuant to Rule 12 of the BCI Rules of Legal Education, CLEs are responsible for implementing strict attendance standards. It is necessary to inform the BCI of any discrepancies regarding employment or attendance.

Mandatory biometric attendance

The BCI requires that biometric attendance systems be used in all CLEs to ensure the accuracy of attendance records. The purpose of these systems is to provide a clear and reliable way to monitor student attendance. The BCI also mandates the installation of CCTV cameras in classrooms and other key areas of the organization. Footage from these cameras must be retained for at least one year to allow time for any necessary reviews or investigations.