Bombay HC Refuses to Entertain PIL Against background checks, CCTV at Law Colleges

The Bombay High Court refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the Bar Council of India’s circular mandating criminal background checks and biometric attendance in law colleges before the issuance of their final mark sheets.

PIL asserted that it violated Articles 14 and 21, calling it ultra vires, a violation of the right to equality and an unwarranted invasion of privacy. 

The Court prima facie opined that the circular was not unconstitutional.

The petitioner requested the Court to issue a writ directing the BCI and the University of Mumbai to withdraw the circulars.

Recently, the Supreme Court has sought the BCI's response on similar petitions,  challenging the same circulars.