BCI Issues Show Cause Notice to RMLNLU Over Lapsed Approval
The Bar Council of India (BCI) issued a show cause notice on June 6 to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University (RMLNLU), Lucknow, challenging the university’s claims regarding its lapsed approval status. The BCI labeled RMLNLU’s public statements as “factually incomplete, legally untenable, and materially misleading,” attributing the situation to the university’s own procedural shortcomings, such as delayed filings and incomplete compliance.
The BCI’s notice, signed by Principal Secretary Srimanto Sen and Additional Secretary Nalin Raj Chaturvedi, was prompted by a June 2 report from Bar & Bench. This report quoted the university as saying its approval from the BCI “from 2023 onwards is pending at BCI end.” This statement was made shortly after students protested on May 27, citing the lack of BCI approval as one of their grievances.
Distinction Between Portal Updates and Approval Extensions
The notice emphasized the difference between updating the BCI portal and obtaining formal approval extensions. For the academic years 2024-25 and 2025-26, RMLNLU only updated its institutional and infrastructure details on the portal instead of filing for an extension of approval. The critical application for extending approval was submitted on April 1, 2026, with the requisite fees, seeking a retroactive extension from 2023-24. The BCI stated that portal updates cannot be equated with statutory approval.
University Compliance and Fee Payment Issues
RMLNLU’s compliance affidavit was scrutinized, revealing approval coverage only until 2023 and including an undertaking under Rule 14, Chapter III of the Rules of Legal Education 2008. The university is accused of admitting students without valid BCI approval and making misleading public statements. Moreover, the BCI noted a shortfall in the university’s guarantee deposit, where only ₹1,00,000 was paid against the required ₹5,00,000 per law degree course. The university has been asked to explain this discrepancy.
The BCI clarified that payment of fees alone does not guarantee automatic approval. Approval is a separate process that requires compliance with all regulations.
Impact on Students and Further Actions
The BCI stressed that students admitted during the last validly approved session (2022-23) should not be penalized due to the university’s administrative lapses. However, for students admitted from 2023-24 onwards, the university must rectify all approval deficiencies before these students finish their courses and attempt to enroll as advocates. The notice also warns that the university cannot place the onus on the BCI for any resulting uncertainties.
The BCI retains the authority to inspect RMLNLU, withhold, or deny approval extensions, and take necessary regulatory actions based on the findings.
