BCI Raises Concerns About Rise In Low Quality Law Colleges, Appeals To Universities To Grant NOCs Only After Proper Evaluation

The BCI's letter stated that despite its collective efforts, the Council continues to face significant challenges posed by the 'mushroom growth and proliferation of substandard law colleges.' This concerning trend highlights the urgent need for stricter adherence to regulatory measures in order to curb the unchecked proliferation of law colleges across the country.” The Bar Council of India again, by way of resolution dated 11.08.2019, imposed a moratorium for a period of three years on opening New Law Colleges/Centers of Legal Education. Circulars dated 7th June 2016, 12th July 2019, and 28th March 2023 were issued to all universities, emphasizing the importance of conducting surprise inspections as a means to enhance legal education quality and curb the proliferation of substandard law colleges.” “However, the level of responsiveness and adherence to these directives has fallen short of expectations. This should encompass all documents involved in the entirety of the affiliation process, including a standardized format of the inspection form and report.” The BCI cited the stipulated regulations given by the Apex Court in the case of The State of Tamil Nadu Vs. Advocate's Forum for Social Justice & ors., to ensure adherence to which the BCI stated, “it is imperative that we have access to the inspection reports conducted by universities in relation to their affiliated centers of legal education. The letter highlighted that the establishment of a law college typically undergoes three key stages i.e., firstly, it requires obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the Department of Higher Education, which serves as an initial quality control measure ; secondly, the Concerned University issues an affiliation order, signifying its endorsement of the college's standards and curriculum ; and lastly, the Bar Council of India grants approval to the university's affiliation, ensuring adherence to the Rules of Legal Education.