The Supreme Court made a significant oral observation on Friday, stating that the Bar Council of India (BCI) should not interfere in matters of legal education. Instead, the court suggested that such aspects should be left to academicians and jurists ¹.
Justice Surya Kant made this remark while dismissing BCI’s challenge to a Kerala High Court ruling. The ruling had allowed two men convicted of murder to pursue legal education through online modes from jail. The judge questioned BCI’s opposition to the move, highlighting that the convicts have already been admitted to law schools.
The court also noted that if the convicts were to be acquitted in the future, BCI’s opposition would be rendered moot. The bench ultimately dismissed BCI’s appeal on grounds of delay and merits.
The Kerala High Court had initially ruled that the convicts could attend their law courses through online mode, with the option of interim bail for practical training or examinations. The court reasoned that prisoners have the right to education, which is grounded in the right to dignity ².
