No Substitute for Physical Classes, MP High Court Upholds BCI's 65% Attendance Rule

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, while hearing a plea by an NLIU Bhopal student debarred for low attendance, held that physical classes are essential and video conferencing must remain an exception rather than the rule. 

The student challenged the validity of the attendance regulation prescribed by the BCI, Rule 12 of the BCI Legal Education Rules and Rule 7 of NLIU’s 2023 Ordinance.

The Court emphasised that legal education requires classroom engagement and universities cannot dilute the Bar Council of India’s mandatory attendance rule of 65%, even in special cases.

The bench granted limited interim relief, allowing the student to attend classes. The matter is listed for further hearing on July 7, 2025. (Anupama Alice Minj Vs NLU, Bhopal)