"BCI Mandates Criminal Background Checks, Biometric Attendance, and CCTV in Law Colleges"

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a notification enforcing strict regulations for all Centers of Legal Education (CLEs) nationwide. This directive, aimed at universities, law colleges, and students, introduces mandatory criminal background checks for law students, along with declarations regarding simultaneous academic engagements, employment status, and attendance compliance. The BCI’s move follows judicial observations in certain cases and is intended to uphold high standards of integrity and transparency within the legal profession. Universities and law colleges have been instructed to implement these measures immediately. Law students must now submit detailed declarations regarding any current or past criminal cases, any simultaneous degree programs, and their employment status during their LL.B. studies. These declarations are required before students can receive their final marksheets and degrees. Criminal Background Checks Students are obligated to disclose any First Information Report (FIR), criminal case, conviction, or acquittal involving them. Institutions must report such cases to the BCI and await its decision before granting degrees. Failure to disclose truthfully will result in strict disciplinary action, including withholding degrees. Simultaneous Degree Programs In accordance with Chapter II, Rule 6 of the Rules of Legal Education (2008), students are prohibited from pursuing more than one regular degree program alongside their LL.B. studies. Declarations must confirm that students have not been enrolled in any other full-time academic program, with exceptions made for certain part-time certificate courses allowed under the Rules. Employment Status and Attendance Compliance Students are also required to disclose their employment status and provide proof of meeting attendance requirements, as per BCI regulations. Any student found working without a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) will face academic penalties. CLEs must report such cases to the BCI and await clearance before awarding degrees. Biometric Attendance and CCTV Surveillance The BCI has mandated that all law colleges implement biometric attendance systems to accurately track student attendance. Additionally, law institutions are required to install CCTV cameras in classrooms and other key areas, with footage preserved for one year to assist in monitoring attendance and student conduct. Alongside this notification, the BCI has issued two additional directives. One mandates BCI approval for dual or joint degree programs offered in collaboration with foreign universities. The other outlines the process for submitting documents required for provisional affiliation approval and compliance with the BCI Legal Education Rules and judicial directives. www.legalmeet.in