The Delhi High Court has advised Delhi University (DU) and the Bar Council of India (BCI) to explore structured online learning for law students with necessary safeguards.
Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma acknowledged the importance of physical attendance in professional courses but highlighted how technological and AI advancements can enable effective remote learning.
The court made these remarks while rejecting petitions from law students challenging DU’s decision to bar them from semester exams due to low attendance.
Refusing to intervene, the court stated that it could not relax attendance rules under writ jurisdiction. However, it urged authorities to integrate technology to support virtual education. “Delhi University and BCI may establish an online learning system with proper safeguards and conditions,” the court stated in its February 11 judgment.
It highlighted that while professional courses benefit from in-person classes, AI and technological growth offer viable remote learning solutions. The court based its recommendation on the fact that students provide mobile numbers and email IDs during admission, which can be updated as needed.
The court also stressed the need for strict attendance policies. It directed DU to notify students monthly about their attendance and the number of lectures or practicals conducted in each subject. To ensure transparency, the Faculty of Law should send attendance details via email, SMS, and WhatsApp while maintaining proper records.
Additionally, the court advised the Dean of the Faculty of Law to collaborate with BCI in creating a process for students to submit attendance-related concerns. If valid, authorities could take appropriate action.
The ruling also clarified that writ jurisdiction does not serve as a remedy for students who disregard academic discipline.
