vijayshettyonline 06 October 2026

Law college attednace and bci

I am seeking guidance regarding an issue concerning a well-known law college, whose name I do not wish to disclose publicly.

The college was reportedly barred/not included by the Bar Council of India during the first round of admissions, but was subsequently permitted to participate in the admission process. The college is now stating that attendance is compulsory and that strict action may be taken for shortage of attendance.

My questions are:

Can attendance shortage of an LLB student be condoned or waived on genuine medical grounds? If yes, what is the applicable procedure under BCI/university rules?
If proxy attendance is being given to some students, and teachers or college staff are knowingly allowing it, can strict disciplinary or regulatory action be taken against both the students and the teachers/staff if it is established?
If attendance rules are being strictly enforced against some students while proxy attendance or concessions are allegedly being allowed for others, can a student raise this issue before the university or BCI? What would be the appropriate procedure?
What is the process for transferring from one law college to another during an LLB course? In particular, is transfer possible from an aided college to a non-aided college, or between two colleges affiliated to the same university? What if the colleges are affiliated to different universities, and what approvals/NOC are generally required?

I am not asking for the name of the college to be identified publicly. I am mainly looking for the legal position and the correct procedure a law student should follow.

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Combo Legal Consultancy 27 October 2026

Under Rule 12 of the BCI Legal Education Rules, 2008, LL.B. students must maintain 70% attendance, but the Principal/Dean can condone a shortfall up to 5% (effectively 65%) for "exceptional reasons," including genuine medical grounds. The procedure requires a formal application with a medical prescripttion and diagnosis report, typically submitted to the Dean or Attendance Committee before or shortly after the leave; subsequent claims are usually rejected. Judicial precedent confirms this 65% floor and mandates fair, non-mechanical enforcement.

Yes, if proxy attendance is established, strict disciplinary and regulatory action can be taken against both students and colluding staff. The BCI has mandated biometric attendance systems (AEBAS) specifically to curb proxy attendance, and any arrangement facilitating it must be stopped immediately. Students face disciplinary action under the college code of conduct, while teachers or staff who knowingly allow it are liable for professional misconduct and violation of BCI directives. Colleges deficient in these standards risk regulatory consequences, including BCI inspections.

Yes, you can raise discriminatory enforcement before the university and the BCI, and the appropriate first step is the college's Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC). The Delhi High Court has mandated that all law colleges constitute GRCs with 51% student representation to address such grievances. If the GRC fails, you may submit a formal representation to the university Registrar and file a complaint with the BCI's Legal Education Committee, documenting specific instances of selective enforcement. Maintaining a written record of all correspondence is essential.

Transfer from an aided to a non-aided college is generally permissible, and transfers between colleges affiliated to the same university are possible, provided both institutions issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and a vacancy exists in the receiving college. For transfers between different universities, you additionally require an Eligibility Certificate from the new university confirming equivalence of subjects studied, along with NOCs from both the current and receiving colleges. Transfers are typically considered only from the second year onward, require a pass in the first year, and are subject to seat availability.