SC Weighs Petition to Introduce 4-Year LL.B in Place of 5-Year Law Course

A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, acknowledged the potential implications of such a shift and emphasized the importance of balancing legal education quality with accessibility and modern needs. The court directed the BCI and the UGC to submit their responses within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for June 2025.

SC Weighs Petition to Introduce 4-Year LL.B in Place of 5-Year Law Course

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding the introduction of a 4-year LL.B course to replace the existing 5-year integrated law program. The move could mark a significant shift in the country's legal education structure.

The PIL, filed by advocate Rohit Kapoor, argues that the current 5-year integrated program, which combines a law degree with a social science or business degree (such as BA LLB or BBA LLB), is outdated and burdens students with redundant subjects. The petitioner suggested that a comprehensive 4-year LL.B program—focused solely on legal education—would be more efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with international standards followed by institutions in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.

A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, acknowledged the potential implications of such a shift and emphasized the importance of balancing legal education quality with accessibility and modern needs.

“We understand that the structure of legal education is evolving globally. If a well-structured 4-year law degree can serve the objectives of quality legal training, the matter deserves thorough consideration,” Chief Justice Chandrachud observed during the hearing.

The court directed the BCI and the UGC to submit their responses within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for June 2025.

The Supreme Court’s decision to examine the plea marks a pivotal moment for legal education policy in India. Depending on the BCI and UGC responses, the court could push for a wider consultation involving law universities, educators, and student bodies.