A major controversy has erupted at the Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University after 81 out of 124 final-year BA LLB students were marked “detained” due to alleged shortage of attendance just days before their final semester exams and the registration deadline for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).
Students say the decision, announced on April 18, came as a shock because they were never informed about attendance shortages during the semester and were still allowed to sit for exams, complete internships, and submit academic work.
Students Allege Lack of Transparency in Attendance System
The affected students claim there was no proper system to track or share attendance records throughout the academic year. According to them, no monthly attendance reports or official warnings were issued.
One student said, “We were informed only when the results were declared. We took our exams in December and completed our internships, and now we suddenly find out we have been detained. It is terrible.”
Students also alleged that attendance records were maintained in an informal and unreliable manner, including loose sheets and messaging apps, instead of a proper digital system.
They further argued that this action violates established norms and even a Delhi High Court ruling related to attendance transparency in educational institutions.
Protests and Allegations of Misconduct
Following the announcement, students staged protests inside the law faculty, alleging they were mistreated by the proctorial team. They claimed that during a peaceful demonstration, some students were “manhandled” and verbally abused.
Students also wrote to the District Magistrate seeking permission for peaceful protest and protection from any disciplinary or coercive action by the administration.
They warned that without intervention, students fear selective targeting for raising concerns.
Faculty Defends Decision, Cites Attendance Rules
Responding to the controversy, Professor M Zafar Mahfooz Naumani, Chairman of the Law Department, said the detentions were strictly based on attendance records.
Dean of the Faculty, Professor Shakeel Ahmed, also defended the decision, stating, “The detentions were made following UGC guidelines, and attendance is now marked subject-wise. Many students failed to meet the required criteria despite earlier warnings.”
He also alleged disruption during protests, saying students “held the faculty hostage for several hours and locked the main gate,” though he added that the administration may later re-examine internship records.
Concerns Over Academic and Career Impact
Students have expressed serious concern over the timing of the decision, as it comes just before the All India Bar Examination registration deadline. Many say they risk losing an entire academic year, job opportunities, and postgraduate admissions.
They have approached the Bar Council of India, arguing that the decision violates legal education norms and court directions on attendance monitoring.
Students said, “We have completed our internships, exams, and coursework. Detention now will destroy our career plans.”
