NLSIU and TNNLU Await BCI Approval as Deadline Passes; GNLU Receives Clearance
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) in Tiruchirappalli remain absent from the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) approved list of law colleges. This comes after the latest deadline for renewal, extended five times, expired on September 15, 2023.
The BCI had initially set a final deadline of December 31, 2025, for existing Centres of Legal Education (CLEs) to apply for the renewal of their approval for the 2026-27 academic session. However, this date was first moved to January 16, followed by extensions to March 5, July 31, August 31, and ultimately September 15.
As of September 4, NLSIU, TNNLU, and Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) had not secured the necessary BCI approval. While GNLU has since obtained the required approval, NLSIU and TNNLU are still awaiting a decision.
The announcement from the BCI emphasized that the extension was specifically for existing CLEs seeking to continue offering approved courses at their previously sanctioned intake levels for the 2026-27 academic year. It required that all CLEs, including NLSIU and TNNLU, meet pending requirements. These included uploading their affiliation orders from their respective universities for the 2026-27 session and remitting the requisite fee within the stipulated time.
The absence of BCI approval raises concerns regarding the status and operational continuity of these prestigious institutions. The situation highlights the complexities and administrative hurdles involved in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
