“Don’t allow students to intern during academic sessions” BCI to Law Universities

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed law colleges and Universities imparting legal education to send their students for internships only during vacation period. A letter to that effect has been sent to the Registrars of all Universities, principals of all law schools and Secretaries of all the State Bar Councils..According to the letter, “students can take internship during the vacation (academic session is not on).”.The letter states that:.“It is noticed that some of the Universities/Colleges are sending their students for internship during academic session. The students can only take internship during the vacation (academic session is not on). The Universities/Colleges are directed that henceforth they should send their students for internship to the Law Firms, Senior Advocates only when there is a vacation of Universities/Colleges.”.Speaking to Bar & Bench, BCI Secretary had this to say:.“We came to know that students are going for internship during academic sessions. The purpose of having classes will be defeated if that is permitted. The law colleges and Universities can allow students to go for internship during the vacation. This direction by the BCI is for their benefit only.”.While admitting that it is not possible for BCI to monitor each law college/ University individually, he said that it is up to the Deans and Vice Chancellors of various institutions to ensure that the direction is complied with and students have adequate attendance..Read the letter below.