Delhi High Court Ruling on Law Student Attendance: A Shift Towards Flexibility and Student Welfare
In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court has ruled that law students cannot be barred from taking examinations or denied progression into the next semester solely due to a shortage of attendance. This verdict marks a significant shift towards prioritizing student welfare and flexibility in legal education.
The court’s decision came in response to a suo motu petition initiated by the Supreme Court, following the tragic suicide of Sushant Rohilla, a third-year law student at Amity Law School, who was allegedly barred from sitting for semester exams due to lack of requisite attendance.
Key Highlights of the Judgment:
– No Detention for Attendance Shortage: No law student shall be detained from taking examinations or prevented from further academic pursuits or career progression due to lack of minimum attendance.
– Attendance Norms to be Revised: The Bar Council of India (BCI) has been directed to re-evaluate and modify mandatory attendance norms for 3-year and 5-year LL.B. programs, incorporating flexibility and credit for co-curricular activities.
– Student-Friendly Measures: Law colleges and universities are required to implement measures such as weekly online attendance updates, monthly notifications to parents/guardians, and extra classes to support students with attendance shortages.
The court’s decision acknowledges the debilitating impact of rigid attendance norms on students’ mental health and well-being. By prioritizing flexibility and student welfare, the Delhi High Court aims to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for law students across India.