RMLNLU Awaits BCI Approval Amidst Student Admissions
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU) in Lucknow is currently operating without an updated approval from the Bar Council of India (BCI). The university’s affiliation certificate has not been renewed since the 2022-23 academic year, despite ongoing student admissions.
In a communication dated June 2, 2026, Assistant Registrar Dr. Mridul Srivastava addressed Bar & Bench, confirming that the university had submitted its renewal application and paid the necessary fees. However, the renewal approval “from 2023 onwards is pending at BCI end.” The letter expressed the university’s surprise at the lack of approval.
BCI Approval Delays and Student Concerns
This letter was a response to Bar & Bench’s inquiry on May 29, 2026, following student protests at RMLNLU. The protests were partly due to the university’s absence from the BCI’s list of recognized law schools.
Attached documents reveal that the last BCI approval was a provisional letter dated August 29, 2022, which allowed the BA.LL.B. (Hons) course for the 2022-23 year only. Since then, no new approval has been issued. Internal communications show that RMLNLU has repeatedly reached out to BCI’s Legal Education Department to expedite the issuance of the necessary approval.
A letter dated May 12, 2026 highlighted a case where a student from the 2012-17 batch faced registration issues with the National Committee on Accreditation in Canada due to the absent BCI approval. An earlier letter mentioned that students were experiencing enrollment challenges with State Bar Councils and the BCI.
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Pending Applications and Financial Commitments
RMLNLU’s BCI portal dashboard indicates that its application for extending the BA.LL.B. (Hons.) course approval for 2023-24 was submitted on April 1, 2026, along with a payment of ₹6,50,000, which included a late fee. Another application for the 2026-27 session was submitted approximately two months prior and is still awaiting processing.
The university’s response to Bar & Bench was also forwarded to BCI’s Joint Secretary, urging for a prompt resolution of the approval process.
Student Protests Amidst Administrative Challenges
Students at RMLNLU have been protesting against various issues, including the lack of BCI recognition and poor hostel conditions. The delay in BCI approval only adds to their grievances, raising concerns about the institution’s operational legitimacy and the future of its students.
