Supreme Court Stays Delhi High Court's Verdict on Mandatory Attendance in Law Colleges

The Indian Supreme Court has temporarily stayed a Delhi High Court ruling that discouraged barring students from exams due to attendance shortfalls, noting the current frameworks cause issues for national law universities. The notice was issued as the case awaits further examination.

The Supreme Court intervened on Tuesday by staying the Delhi High Court ruling that stopped law colleges from preventing students with low attendance from taking their exams. The apex court noted that many national law universities are experiencing difficulties due to this judgment.

Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta heard appeals, including one from the Bar Council of India (BCI), challenging the high court's November 2025 decision. They decided to put the ruling on hold while discussions continue, scheduled next for July 21.

The Supreme Court maintained that other high courts can decide similar petitions and raised concerns, asking why the BCI delayed their challenge. The court emphasized the need for mandatory attendance norms, highlighting the broader implications for legal education's quality in India.