Bombay HC: Foreign law degree does not qualify for 3-year LLB in India

The Bombay High Court has ruled that a foreign law degree, even if recognised by the Bar Council of India (BCI), does not automatically make a student eligible for admission to the three-year LL.B. course in India. A bench of Justices Riyaz Chagla and Farhan Dubash dismissed a petition by Yohaan Abraham, who had challenged the cancellation of his provisional admission to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University in Navi Mumbai.

Abraham completed Class XII in 2019 and obtained a three-year undergraduate law degree from Queen Mary University of London, followed by a Legal Practice Course. The university cancelled his provisional admission, arguing his foreign degree was not a 'First Degree' as required for the three-year LL.B., which is meant for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. The court agreed, noting that students who finish Class XII and wish to study law directly should take the five-year integrated law course.

The court also clarified that BCI recognition of a foreign law degree is relevant for enrolment as an advocate in India, but does not confer eligibility for admission to another law course. It said provisional admission and fee payment cannot override eligibility rules. The judgment does not prevent Abraham from applying for the BCI Bridge Course or Qualifying Examination.