The Madras High Court has overturned a Single Judge's order that had granted relief to three law students who fell short of the mandatory attendance requirement prescribed for legal education. The Division Bench held that courts cannot dilute attendance rules fixed by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and emphasized the importance of classroom learning in legal education.
Background of the Case
The appeals were filed by the Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University and its School of Excellence in Law against a common order passed on December 17, 2025. The students, including B. Vadhanan, had approached the court after being denied permission to take semester examinations due to insufficient attendance.
The Single Judge had directed the university to allow the students to continue their studies, attend higher semesters, and make up the attendance shortage through alternative modes during vacation periods.
Court Observation
During the hearing, the Division Bench comprising Justice S.M. Subramaniam and Justice N. Senthilkumar noted that Rule 12 of the BCI Rules clearly requires a minimum of 70% attendance, with a maximum condonation of 5%, reducing the threshold only to 65%.
“The Rules are clear and any further relaxation would defeat the object of the Rule itself,”
the bench observed.
The court also stressed that students who regularly attend classes should not be placed at a disadvantage. Referring to the importance of legal education, the judges said classroom participation plays a crucial role in shaping future lawyers.
In a notable observation, the bench remarked,
“Online classes provide an avenue for learning when need arises, but it cannot be a substitute for physical mode of learning.”
The court further stated that technology and artificial intelligence cannot replace the role of qualified teachers in imparting values, ethics and professional responsibility.
Decision
Allowing all three writ appeals, the Division Bench set aside the common order of the Single Judge dated December 17, 2025. The court held that no relaxation beyond the limits prescribed under the BCI Rules could be granted and restored the university's decision regarding attendance requirements. No order was passed as to costs.
Case Details:
Case Title: Registrar, Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University & Ors. vs B. Vadhanan & Ors. (Batch Matters)
Case Number: WA No. 49 of 2026, WA No. 364 of 2026 and WA No. 426 of 2026
Judge: Justice S.M. Subramaniam and Justice N. Senthilkumar
Decision Date: June 17, 2026
