Reforming Attendance Norms: Delhi High Court Advocates Flexibility for Law Students

The Delhi High Court has ruled that law students cannot be barred from examinations due to lack of attendance. The court directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to modify mandatory attendance norms following the 2016 suicide of a student who was barred from exams for insufficient attendance.

The Delhi High Court has issued a landmark ruling ensuring that no law student is barred from exams due to inadequate attendance. This comes in response to a petition initiated by the Supreme Court concerning the 2016 suicide of law student Sushant Rohilla, who was denied semester exams for missing attendance requirements.

In a comprehensive verdict, the High Court instructed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to revise its mandatory attendance norms. These revisions arose from findings that stringent attendance requirements could cause undue stress and mental trauma to students.

The court emphasized consultation with all stakeholders, including student bodies and parents, to safeguard students' mental health. Meanwhile, measures like online attendance notifications and additional classes have been recommended to support students with attendance issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)