The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a directive to centers of legal education (CLEs) across the country to implement its new guidelines immediately. These include the introduction of mediation as a compulsory subject and the integration of three new criminal justice laws into the curriculum starting from the 2024-25 academic year.
The circular, dated May 20 and signed by BCI secretary Srimanto Sen, was sent to vice-chancellors, registrars of universities, principals, deans, and directors of legal institutions. It reflects the “transformative vision” of legal education as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the combined interest of the judiciary and the government to modernize legal education.
“The Prime Minister also stated that legal education needs to adapt to the changing times and technologies, focusing on understanding the latest trends in crime, investigation, and evidence. In light of these considerations, the BCI issues this circular to all centers of legal education for immediate implementation,” the circular stated.
The three new enactments to be incorporated are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam of 2023. These will replace the Indian Penal Code-1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure-1898, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
Additionally, CLEs are directed to incorporate modern subjects such as blockchains, electronic discovery, cyber-security, robotics, artificial intelligence, and bio-ethics into their curricula. This initiative aims to prepare graduates to handle contemporary legal challenges effectively.
The BCI also emphasized the need for educational programs that impart a “profound understanding” of constitutional values, integrating socio-economic and cultural contexts in the syllabi, promoting interdisciplinary thinking, and providing bilingual education in both English and regional languages.
Regarding computer education, which is already part of the 2008 legal education rules, the BCI reiterated its importance. The circular noted the government’s and judiciary’s keenness to introduce mediation as a compulsory subject, a directive initially communicated in August 2020.
Other guidelines include prohibiting law courses through online or correspondence modes, ensuring degree courses are conducted through regular courses with stipulated time and working hours, and outlining the process for equating foreign LLB degrees obtained by Indian students.
The BCI stressed the need for periodic reviews and compliance with the sanctioned seat strength across CLEs. “All CLEs under the BCI’s purview are required to adhere to BCI legal education reforms, mandatory guidelines, norms, and rules in the design and execution of legal education/law degree programs. Non-compliance shall result in necessary action. This circular is effective immediately,” the circular concluded.