Majlis Debates Petition Challenging Bar Council’s In-Person Exam Mandate for Law Students

The People’s Majlis has commenced debate on an e-petition submitted by law students challenging recent regulatory revisions by the Bar Council of the Maldives, which mandate in-person examinations for higher education law degree programmes from 1 January 2027.

The petition submitted on 20 August by Adam Samweel on behalf of online law students at Zikura International College, Villa College, and Avid College garnered sufficient signatures under parliamentary threshold rules to trigger debate. 

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The matter was subsequently referred by petition committee vote to the Bar Council of the Maldives to seek formal legal counsel, following a motion proposed by Madaveli MP Mohamed Shameez and seconded by Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq.

At the core of the grievance is the second amendment to the Bar Council’s “Minimum Standards for Qualifying Law Degree Programs” regulation.

While the rule requires all law examinations to be sat physically at designated study centres starting in 2027, students contend that applying the requirement retroactively to those already enrolled infringes upon their rights.

According to the petition, students registered under a valid state framework the National E-Learning Framework which permitted online assessments. The petition argues that altering fundamental course conditions mid-degree violates the administrative law principle of “legitimate expectation” and infringes upon the right to education guaranteed under Article 36 of the Maldivian Constitution. 

Students highlighted that forced travel and accommodation in Malé impose severe financial and personal burdens, particularly on island residents, working professionals, and parents.

Speaking during the parliamentary debate, Manadhoo MP Husnee Mubarak stated that while the Bar Council possesses the statutory authority to set standards for legal education, regulatory changes should not apply retroactively to existing cohorts.

“The general principle of law and standard legal doctrine is that laws and regulations are not applied retrospectively,” Mubarak noted, adding that many enrolled students include serving police officers stationed across various island posts who would face significant logistical barriers under the new rules.

The petition calls on the People’s Majlis to liaise with relevant authorities to establish transitional arrangements exempting all students enrolled prior to the amendment, allowing them to complete their degrees under the rules in effect when they commenced their studies.