SC Asks BCI to Hold Stakeholder Meeting on 1-Year Teaching Requirement for LL.M. Recognition

The Supreme Court urged the Bar Council of India (BCI) to convene a stakeholder meeting to address concerns over the mandatory one-year teaching experience for recognising 1-year LL.M. degrees, whether from India or abroad. 

The issue arose from BCI's 2021 notification, which imposed new restrictions despite reinstating the 1-year LL.M.

Two petitions were filed before the Court challenging inter-alia BCI's decision to scrap the 1-year LL.M. programme. Petitioners, including a law student and the Consortium of NLUs, argued that BCI exceeded its authority under the Advocates Act. 

The Court also allowed amendments to challenge a 2024 BCI circular restricting further studies for foreign LL.M. holders. 

If unresolved, the Court will decide the matter on merits.