Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 22: The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the Kerala High Court’s decision allowing two murder convicts to pursue law studies online while serving life sentences, strongly criticizing the Bar Council of India (BCI) for opposing the move.

A bench of justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh dismissed BCI’s challenge, stating that education could be transformative for inmates. “Why should BCI oppose such a reformatory move? Instead of supporting progress, you are being orthodox,” the bench remarked.

The convicts, Pattakka Suresh Babu and V Vinoyi, had cleared law entrance exams and sought permission to study. Suresh, lodged at the Open Prison and Correctional Home in Cheemeni, is enrolled at KMCT Law College, Kuttipuram, while Vinoyi, housed at the Central Prison in Kannur, is pursuing studies at Sree Narayana Law College, Poothotta.

BCI argued that law courses require physical attendance and practical training, but the court rejected its objections, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation through education. The judges also took a dig at BCI’s role in legal education, with Justice Kant stating, “BCI should have mercy on legal education. It should be left to jurists and scholars.”

Dismissing BCI’s petition on procedural and substantive grounds, the court upheld prisoners’ rights to education, keeping the broader legal question open for future deliberation.