Bar Council Of India Mandates Integration Of New Criminal Laws In Legal Education Curriculum From 2024-25 Academic Year

The circular, dated May 20, 2024 and signed by BCI Secretary Srimanto Sen, was directed to university vice-chancellors, registrars, as well as principals, deans, and directors of legal institutions.

The Circular read, “In line with the evolving legal landscape of the nation, it has been decided to incorporate three new enactments i.e. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 into the curriculum of Universities and Centers of Legal Education starting from the academic year 2024-2025.”

Citing a "transformative vision" for legal education aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directives and the collective interest of the judiciary and government, the circular emphasized the integration of new subjects into legal curricula. The circular read, “The Prime Minister also stated that Legal education needs to adapt to changing times and technologies, focusing on understanding the latest trends in crimes, investigation, and evidence. The Prime Minister was also of the view that there's a call for strengthening exchange programs between law universities from different countries to provide young legal professionals with greater international exposure. In the light of these considerations, the Bar Council of India issues this circular to all Centers of Legal Education for immediate implementation.”

As per the circular, legal education institutions are mandated to incorporate subjects such as blockchain, electronic discovery, cyber-security, robotics, artificial intelligence, and bio-ethics into their curricula. This initiative aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills to address current legal challenges effectively.

Additionally, the circular emphasized the importance of imparting a deep understanding of constitutional values, integrating socio-economic and cultural contexts into syllabi, promoting interdisciplinary thinking, and fostering bilingual education using both English and regional languages.

Regarding computer education, the circular noted its existing inclusion in the rules of legal education of 2008. It also reiterated the government and judiciary's interest in making mediation a compulsory subject, a directive communicated previously in August 2020.

Furthermore, the circular outlined guidelines prohibiting the approval of law courses through online or correspondence modes, emphasizing the conduct of degree courses through regular in-person sessions within stipulated timeframes and working hours. It also addressed the process for equating foreign LLB degrees obtained by Indian students.

The circular emphasized the need for periodic review and compliance with sanctioned seat strengths across legal education institutions. The Circular said, “All Centers of Legal Education under the BCI's purview are required to adhere to Bar Council of India Legal Education Reforms, Mandatory Guidelines, Norms & Rules of Legal Education in the design and execution of Legal Education/Law Degree programs. Non-compliance shall result in necessary action. This circular is effective immediately.”