Hey learners,
In a major relief to law students across the country,
the Delhi High Court has ruled that students pursuing law degrees cannot be barred from appearing in examinations solely due to low attendance. The court has also directed all law colleges and the Bar Council of India (BCI) to review and revise their attendance policies.
The judgment was delivered by a division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Amit Sharma, who were hearing a petition linked to the tragic suicide case of law student Sushant Rohilla. The petition highlighted the strict attendance norms that prevented students from appearing for exams, often leading to undue stress and mental health issues.
The bench observed that “no student should be deprived of the opportunity to appear in examinations merely due to short attendance.” The court also emphasized the need for flexibility in attendance requirements, considering students’ physical and mental well-being.
Directions to Bar Council of India
The Delhi High Court instructed the Bar Council of India to modify the existing attendance standards after consulting with students, teachers, and academic institutions. The court noted that while discipline and classroom engagement are essential, attendance norms should not be so rigid that they harm students’ academic progress or mental health.
It further stated that colleges and universities should not impose attendance criteria beyond what the BCI prescribes. Institutions have been advised to adopt a more student-friendly approach, especially for those facing genuine difficulties that cause low attendance.
Protecting Students’ Mental Health
The court stressed the importance of protecting students’ mental and emotional health, urging universities to create a supportive academic environment. The judgment called for reforms that balance educational discipline with compassion and flexibility.
This ruling marks a significant step toward a more inclusive and empathetic education system for law students, ensuring that administrative policies do not become barriers to academic success.