In a legal twist that has kept final-year law students on the edge of their seats, the Supreme Court stepped in with a decision that is nothing short of a "game-changer." The apex court has now allowed final-year law students to sit for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE XIX), quashing the recent Bar Council of India (BCI) notification that barred them from the exam.
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What Led to This Court Battle?
A group of final-year law students, led by petitioner Nilay Rai and others, filed a writ petition against the BCI (W.P. (C) No. 577 of 2024), challenging the BCI's June 2024 notification. The BCI had announced that only law graduates, not current final-year students, could register for AIBE XIX. This sparked a mass rebellion among students, as many of them were preparing to take the exam and begin their legal careers.
The petitioners, represented by Advocates A. Velan and Navpreet Kaur, argued that the BCI's decision was oppressive, unjustifiable and against the principles of fairness, as it interfered with the students' professional plans.
The Supreme Court's Ruling: Relief for Students
In an important hearing, the Supreme Court passed an interim order [an order that allows final-year law students to appear for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE XIX) immediately, even though the final decision about the Bar Council of India's notification is still pending. This order provides temporary relief to the students, ensuring they don’t miss the exam while the legal dispute is resolved] allowing final-year law students to register and appear for the AIBE XIX. The Court, acknowledging the hardships faced by these students, directed the BCI to lift its restrictions and permit their participation in the exam.
This decision came as a massive relief to thousands of students who were left uncertain about their future in the legal profession. The bench recognized that prohibiting students from the AIBE so close to their graduation would have had long-lasting consequences, impacting both their careers and access to the legal field.
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What's Next?
With this interim order in place, final-year students can now register for AIBE XIX, while the legal battle over the validity of the BCI notification continues. The final verdict on whether such restrictions should be imposed in the future remains to be seen, but for now, the students can breathe easy and get back to their preparation.
The case continues, but this decision marks a significant step toward making sure of the fairness in legal education and the rights of aspiring advocates.
Case Details: Nilay Rai & Ors V Bar Council of India | W.P.(C) No. 577 of 2024
Written by Seersha Chaudhuri
Driven legal professional with a BA LLB and a knack for writing and media reporting. Previously, I’ve crafted legal documents and managed court proceedings at Terkiana PC, focusing on immigration law. I’m also brushing up on my Spanish with Duolingo—learning a new language has never been this fun! Eager to blend my expertise in legal research with my passion for global policy and creative writing. Apart from being a professional, I am a full time lover of fish, dystopian fiction and Brooklyn 99.
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