Overview

• The moratorium bars new centres and prevents existing institutions from launching new sections, courses or batches without prior written BCI approval for three years starting upon publication.
• Pending applications that have reached the final stage will continue to be processed under the Rules of Legal Education, Moratorium 2025.
• The formal rulemaking responds to the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s 2020 decision by codifying restrictions under the Advocates Act, 1961 to bolster enforceability.
• During the pause, the BCI will carry out intensified inspections and compliance audits and may derecognize or close institutions failing to meet prescribed standards.
• Strict exceptions for SC/ST communities, backward classes, persons with disabilities and remote areas will apply only with government clearances and adequate infrastructure, with annual reviews determining any extensions or modifications.