New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the reduction of the passing score for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). The bench, headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, emphasized the importance of maintaining high professional standards within the legal community. “Padho Bhai”, CJI told the petitioner.
The petition aimed to lower the current passing criteria, which require general category candidates to achieve 45% and SC/ST candidates to achieve 40%. The petitioner argued that the existing cutoff was too high and that reducing it would allow more law graduates to qualify and practice law. However, the Supreme Court rejected this plea, underscoring the critical need for competent and qualified lawyers to ensure the proper functioning of the judicial system.
Chief Justice Chandrachud remarked, “Lowering the cutoff would undermine the quality and integrity of the legal profession. The standards set by the Bar Council of India (BCI) are designed to ensure that only individuals with adequate knowledge and skills enter the profession.” He further noted that the court’s role is to protect the interests of the public and the judicial system, which requires maintaining stringent entry standards.
The ruling highlights the Supreme Court’s commitment to upholding the quality of legal education and the profession. By rejecting the plea, the court has sent a clear message that professional competency cannot be compromised.
This decision comes at a time when the legal profession is under increased scrutiny for maintaining ethical and professional standards. The AIBE serves as a crucial benchmark for evaluating the readiness of law graduates to practice, ensuring they possess the necessary legal acumen.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the PIL reinforces the importance of maintaining rigorous standards for legal practitioners, ensuring the continued integrity and effectiveness of the legal system in India.
