The Delhi High Court has called upon Delhi University (DU) and the Bar Council of India (BCI) to consider introducing online classes for law students, recognizing the transformative role of technology in modern education. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, while dismissing petitions filed by students barred from exams due to low attendance, urged institutions to create a secure online learning framework without compromising academic rigor.
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The court rejected pleas from law students seeking exam eligibility despite attendance shortfalls, clarifying that writ jurisdiction cannot override institutional rules. Justice Sharma acknowledged the value of physical classroom interaction but highlighted the need to integrate digital solutions. He stated, “DU and the Bar Council may evolve a mechanism to enable students to attend classes online with appropriate safeguards and conditions.” This reflects the court’s vision to blend traditional and tech-enabled learning, particularly in professional courses like law.
Monthly Attendance Alerts:The Faculty of Law must inform students about their attendance status every month through emails, SMS, and WhatsApp. Transparent communication aims to minimize disputes and ensure students stay updated.
Attendance Dispute Resolution:
The court advised the DU Dean and BCI to design a process allowing students to challenge attendance records. Students can submit representations, which authorities must review fairly.
No Leniency for Academic Lapses:
Justice Sharma emphasized that courts cannot relax attendance norms retroactively. “Maintaining the integrity of the LL.B. course is crucial. Students adhering to rules shouldn’t suffer due to undue leniency,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of accountability.
While advocating for online classes, the judgment stressed that technology should complement—not replace—the structured environment of professional education. Physical attendance remains vital for mentorship, peer discussions, and practical training. However, a hybrid model could offer flexibility, especially during emergencies or for students with genuine constraints.
