Kashmir University

Key Phrases:

• Criminal background check
• Simultaneous degrees
• Employment status
• Attendance compliance
• Biometric attendance
• CCTV surveillance

In a recent notification, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed all Centres of Legal Education (CLEs) to implement several measures aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in legal education. These directives include:

Criminal Background Check

Law students are now required to declare any ongoing FIR, criminal case, conviction, or acquittal before the issuance of their final marksheets and degrees. All such cases must be reported to the BCI via email, and the CLE must await the BCI’s decision before issuing the final marksheet and degree to the student. Failure to disclose such information will result in strict disciplinary action, including the withholding of final marksheets and degrees[1].

Simultaneous Degree Programs

In terms of Rule 6 of the Rules of Legal Education (2008), students are prohibited from pursuing more than one regular degree program simultaneously. Law students are required to declare that they have not pursued any other regular academic program while pursuing their LL.B. degree, except for short-term, part-time certificate courses in areas such as language or computer applications, or programs offered through distance learning, as allowed under the rules. Any student found violating this rule should not be issued the final marksheet or degree by the CLE[1].

Employment Status and Attendance Compliance

Students are required to declare that they were not engaged in any job, service, or vocation during the course of their LL.B. degree unless they had obtained a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC). Proof of compliance with the attendance norms must also be provided, as per Rule 12 of the Rules of Legal Education. Failure to report employment status will result in the withholding of the final mark sheet & degree, and strict disciplinary action will be taken against the student and CLE both for non-compliance[1].

Biometric Attendance and CCTV Surveillance

All CLEs are required to install biometric attendance systems to ensure accurate monitoring of student attendance. CCTV cameras must be installed in classrooms and other key areas of the institution. These camera recordings must be preserved for one year to support any necessary verification or investigation related to attendance and student conduct[1].

Compliance and Penalties

The notification states that all CLEs are expected to comply with the BCI’s directions immediately. Students who fail to disclose their criminal background, simultaneous degree status, or employment details will face academic and legal consequences, including the withholding of their marksheets and degrees. Those institutions which fail to enforce these mandates will face disciplinary actions, “including de-recognition or disapproval of affiliation” by the BCI[1].

The BCI has also issued clarifications regarding collaborations between Indian law institutions and foreign universities, emphasizing the need for prior approval for any dual or joint degree programs. Students can download the official notification provided below