Law students at Delhi University are raising their voices against what they call rigid academic policies that are hampering their professional development. The controversy centers around the strict 70% attendance requirement and the absence of a structured internship window in their curriculum.
The Attendance Dilemma
Students from various law centers including Campus Law Centre, Law Centre I, and Law Centre II have expressed serious concerns about the mandatory 70% attendance policy. According to multiple students, this requirement doesn't account for the practical realities of legal education where internship experiences are crucial for career development.
The current system mandates that students maintain 70% attendance across all subjects, failing which they face debarment from examinations. This policy has created significant stress among students who often need to choose between attending classes and pursuing valuable internship opportunities that could enhance their practical legal skills.
Internship Challenges
Another major concern highlighted by students is the lack of a dedicated internship period in the academic calendar. Unlike many other law universities across India, Delhi University doesn't provide a structured break specifically for internships, forcing students to either sacrifice academic attendance or miss out on professional opportunities.
One student representative mentioned that internships with courts, law firms, and legal organizations often require full-time commitment that conflicts with regular class schedules. This puts DU law students at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts in other institutions who have designated internship periods.
Student Demands and Administration Response
The student community has put forward several demands to address these issues. They are seeking either a reduction in the attendance requirement or the introduction of attendance credits for internship periods. Additionally, students are advocating for the inclusion of a structured internship window in the academic calendar.
While university authorities acknowledge receiving these concerns, no formal response or policy changes have been announced yet. The students continue to organize and present their case, emphasizing that legal education needs to balance theoretical knowledge with practical exposure to prepare competent legal professionals.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining academic discipline and providing flexibility for professional development in legal education. As the debate continues, DU law students remain hopeful that the administration will recognize their genuine concerns and work toward a solution that benefits both academic standards and career preparedness.
