The Bar Council of India (BCI) has introduced a three-year moratorium on establishing new Centers of Legal Education (law colleges) across the country. The decision, effective immediately, aims to address the decline in quality caused by the unchecked growth of sub-standard institutions and the commercialization of legal education.
During the moratorium, no new law colleges will be approved, and existing institutions cannot introduce new courses, sections, or batches without explicit BCI permission. The Council emphasized the need to focus on improving standards, faculty shortages, and systemic weaknesses in legal education.
"The unchecked mushrooming of sub-standard institutions and routine issuance of NOCs without proper inspection have compromised legal education. This moratorium is a step toward consolidation and quality enhancement," stated the BCI press release.
Narrow exceptions apply for institutions catering to marginalized groups, remote districts, or persons with disabilities, provided they meet strict infrastructure and faculty requirements. The BCI will intensify inspections for existing colleges, with penalties for non-compliance, including derecognition and disciplinary action.
The moratorium draws authority from the Advocates Act, 1961, and follows earlier efforts like the 2019 temporary ban and court directives. The BCI reiterated its commitment to safeguarding legal education standards and public trust in the justice system.
The Council urged stakeholders to prioritize quality over expansion and cooperate fully with the new regulations. Annual reviews will assess the moratorium's impact, with adjustments made as needed.