The Delhi High Court has encouraged Delhi University (DU) and the Bar Council of India to explore the possibility of implementing online classes for law students, highlighting the potential of technology and artificial intelligence in education. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma, presiding over the matter, suggested the development of a mechanism with appropriate safeguards to facilitate effective remote learning.
This recommendation came while the court dismissed a series of petitions from law students who were barred from sitting for their semester exams due to insufficient attendance. The court declined to grant any relaxation in attendance requirements under writ jurisdiction but underscored the importance of adapting to technological advancements in education.
In his judgment dated February 11, Justice Sharma recognized the inherent value of physical attendance in professional courses but pointed out that the ongoing advancements in technology provide a unique opportunity to establish robust online educational frameworks. “The University of Delhi and the Bar Council of India may evolve a mechanism to enable the students to attend classes online with the appropriate safeguards and conditions,” the judgment read.
The court’s decision reflects a broader acknowledgment of the changing educational landscape, where digital platforms can complement traditional learning environments, especially in professional courses where practical knowledge and interaction are paramount.
Furthermore, the judgment highlighted the necessity of maintaining strict attendance records and ensuring transparent communication with students. The court suggested that the Faculty of Law should notify students of their attendance monthly via email, SMS, and WhatsApp, and keep detailed records to prevent any discrepancies.
The dean of the Faculty of Law, in consultation with the Bar Council of India, is also advised to develop a procedure for students to contest their attendance records. This mechanism should allow students to make representations regarding short attendance, which the authorities can assess for validity.
Justice Sharma emphasized that the court’s power under writ jurisdiction is not intended to facilitate leniency for students who disregard academic discipline. “It is essential to maintain the integrity of the L.L.B. professional course and to ensure that students who abide by the rules are not prejudiced by a retroactive relaxation of discipline,” he stated.
