Delhi HC directs no law student be blocked from exams for low attendance; Bar Council of India told to rework mandatory attendance norms to protect students.
Delhi HC Landmark Ruling on Law Students’ Attendance Norms
The Delhi High Court has ruled that no law student in India can be barred from appearing in examinations solely for failing to meet minimum attendance requirements and has directed the Bar Council of India to re-evaluate and amend mandatory attendance norms. The order, passed by a bench handling a long-running petition linked to the 2016 suicide of law student Sushant Rohilla.
The court clarified that universities and law colleges cannot impose attendance conditions harsher than those laid down by the Bar Council, and that students should not be denied promotion or academic progression for attendance shortfalls. The bench underscored the need for legal education to balance classroom presence with practical training and mental-health safeguards, warning against blanket exclusionary policies that punish vulnerable students.
In its 122-page order, the court listed practical directions aimed at preventing future tragedies. Institutions were asked to adopt humane measures such as more flexible attendance tracking, supplementary classes, counselling support and transparent communication with guardians.
