Education news
BCI Removes Upper Age Limit for 3-Year and 5-Year Law Admissions
· Source: Amar Ujala
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has abolished the upper age limit for admission to both three-year and five-year law programmes. Following this decision, the Supreme Court has disposed of the petition that challenged the earlier age restrictions.
BCI Removes Upper Age Limit for Law Courses
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has removed the upper age limit for admission to three-year and five-year law courses. The BCI informed the Supreme Court of this decision on Friday. The decision was taken by the General Council of the BCI, allowing candidates of any age to pursue legal education.
Supreme Court Disposes of the Petition
Following the BCI's submission, the Supreme Court disposed of the plea challenging the age limit. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana. The petition had been filed by Rishabh Duggal challenging a 2016 circular issued by the BCI. Taking note of the BCI's fresh decision, the court observed that further hearing on the petition was no longer necessary.
Previous Age Limits and Background
Through a 2016 circular, the BCI had reintroduced Rule 28 of Schedule III of the Legal Education Rules, 2008. Under the earlier rules, maximum age limits were fixed for law admissions. In March 2017, the Supreme Court had stayed the BCI's decision on the age criteria. Later, on 25 September, the Supreme Court asked the BCI if it was willing to remove the upper age limit for the five-year integrated course, after which advocate Radhika Gautam, appearing for the BCI, informed the court on Friday about the General Council's decision to abolish the limit.
Previous Age Limits for Law Courses
| Course | Category | Earlier Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Integrated Law Course | General Category | 20 years |
| 5-Year Integrated Law Course | SC, ST, and Backward Classes | 22 years |
| 3-Year LLB Course | All / General | 45 years |
Questions
What is the new age limit for 3-year and 5-year law admissions?
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has removed the upper age limit, meaning candidates of any age can now seek admission.
What were the previous age limits for the 5-year integrated law course?
Previously, the maximum age limit was 20 years for general category candidates and 22 years for SC, ST, and backward class candidates.
What was the previous upper age limit for the 3-year LLB course?
The earlier upper age limit set for admission to the three-year LLB course was 45 years.
Who challenged the BCI age limit circular in the Supreme Court?
The petition challenging the BCI's 2016 circular was filed by Rishabh Duggal.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
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