Delhi High Court Eases Attendance Rules for Law Students

In a landmark ruling, the Delhi High Court has provided significant relief to law students by eliminating attendance-based restrictions for semester exams. The court's decision includes comprehensive guidelines that mandate law colleges to align their attendance policies with those of the Bar Council of India. Additionally, it requires the establishment of Grievance Redressal Commissions in educational institutions and emphasizes the need for mental health support for students. This ruling aims to enhance the educational experience and ensure fair access to opportunities for all law students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Read on to discover the full implications of this important decision.

By Ambika Singh Nov 4, 2025, 12:26 IST

Significant Ruling for Law Students

On Monday, the Delhi High Court delivered a crucial judgment that benefits countless law students nationwide. The court ruled that students will no longer be prevented from taking semester exams due to insufficient attendance. This decision came with comprehensive guidelines aimed at improving legal education standards. A division bench, consisting of Justice Pratibha M. Singh and Justice Amit Sharma, emphasized that no student should be denied the opportunity to appear for exams or progress to the next semester based on attendance issues.

Guidelines for Law Colleges
According to the ruling, law colleges are prohibited from establishing attendance policies that deviate from those set by the Bar Council of India (BCI). The court instructed that attendance records must be shared with students and their guardians, and additional classes—either in-person or online—should be organized for those with low attendance.

Mandatory Grievance Redressal Commission
The bench mandated that all law colleges and educational institutions must establish a Grievance Redressal Commission (GRC). The court directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to revise its regulations to ensure that at least 51% of the GRC's members are students, ensuring adequate representation.

Revisions to College Affiliation Conditions
The BCI has been instructed to revise the conditions for college affiliations to include the availability of counselors and mental health professionals for student support. The court also highlighted the need for the BCI to reassess attendance requirements for both three-year and five-year law programs, including considerations for moot court participation and credit allocation.

Internship Opportunities for Students
The bench urged the BCI to facilitate access to detailed internship information for students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, by publishing lists of senior advocates, law firms, and other organizations seeking interns.