The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has intensified its crackdown on dummy schools operating without proper infrastructure, following a directive from the Delhi High Court. These institutions, which often exist only on paper, have raised serious concerns about the authenticity of certificates and mark sheets issued to students.

Responding to the court’s concerns, CBSE has initiated a comprehensive investigation and identified multiple dummy institutions nationwide. Officials have confirmed that affiliations for such schools will be revoked immediately to prevent further academic fraud.

The Delhi High Court has directed CBSE to ensure that all affiliated schools possess adequate infrastructure and comply with academic standards. It has also mandated strict legal action against those involved in fraudulent practices. The board has assured the court of rigorous inspections and thorough verification processes to curb the proliferation of such institutions.

The crackdown is expected to impact thousands of students who may have obtained fake certificates or mark sheets through these unauthorized schools. Many educationists and parents have welcomed the move, stressing the importance of stringent regulations to safeguard academic credibility.

Experts believe that in addition to closing fraudulent institutions, CBSE should establish robust monitoring systems to prevent their resurgence. They advocate for periodic audits, surprise inspections, and stricter affiliation criteria to ensure ongoing compliance with educational norms.

As education remains a cornerstone of national development, CBSE’s stringent actions demonstrate its commitment to eliminating malpractices and reinforcing the credibility of India’s education system. Stakeholders hope that continued vigilance will create a more transparent and trustworthy academic environment for future generations.

Xavier Law School, in collaboration with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Indian Intellectual Property Foundation (IIP), is set to host a national-level moot court competition focused on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The event, scheduled from February 24 to 26, 2025, will take place at the Xavier Law School campus in Bhubaneswar.

The competition aims to provide law students from across the country with a platform to showcase their advocacy skills and legal expertise in IPR-related cases. The event will bring together future legal professionals, experienced judges, and leading advocates to engage in rigorous legal debates and courtroom simulations.

Competition Format and Prizes

The competition will feature teams comprising two to three members representing various law schools. Participants will compete in multiple rounds, including:

• Preliminary Rounds
• Quarterfinals
• Semifinals
• Finals

The winning team will be awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000 along with a trophy. Additionally, individual prizes will be presented in the following categories:

• Best Memorial
• Best Speaker
• Best Researcher

The registration fee for the competition is ₹5,000 per team, and interested participants must complete their registration by February 10, 2025.

Encouraging Legal Awareness in IPR

The moot court competition is expected to enhance students' understanding of Intellectual Property Rights, a growing field in corporate and technology law. The event will also serve as an opportunity for law students to network, exchange ideas, and gain insights from experienced legal professionals.

Organizers believe the competition will promote awareness of IPR laws and encourage students to consider careers in this domain. By engaging in complex legal arguments, participants will contribute to discussions on emerging IPR issues and gain valuable experience in legal research and advocacy.

For registration and inquiries, teams can reach out via email at xaviermoot@gmail.com or contact +91 94370 33333.

India’s legal education landscape is undergoing a transformation with the establishment of several new law colleges and schools offering innovative, multidisciplinary programs tailored to modern challenges.

Leading institutions like BITS Pilani, Shiv Nadar University, IIULER, and Symbiosis are spearheading this change by introducing forward-thinking curricula and specialized courses. Among the highlights are BA LLB programs that integrate technology, innovation, and social responsibility, addressing the evolving demands of the legal profession.

These institutions emphasize experiential learning through practical approaches such as internships, case studies, and research projects. The redefined curricula also provide students with opportunities to pursue electives and specializations in areas like intellectual property law, corporate law, and human rights law, catering to diverse career aspirations.

According to a spokesperson for one of the institutions, the legal profession is undergoing a significant transformation. Experts agree that these advancements are reshaping legal education in India, positioning students to thrive in a globalized world where legal issues intersect with technology, ethics, and social responsibility. By integrating multidisciplinary perspectives, these programs aim to produce lawyers who are not only legally proficient but also attuned to broader societal and technological shifts.

The new law colleges also aim to foster a culture of research and innovation, encouraging students to explore contemporary legal issues and contribute to policy development. Their emphasis on social responsibility ensures that future legal professionals are equipped to address societal challenges and advocate for justice effectively.

This wave of innovation is expected to have a profound impact on India’s legal education sector, offering students more options and creating a competitive environment for excellence. The introduction of such programs also reflects the growing recognition of the need for lawyers who can navigate complex intersections of law, business, and technology.

As these institutions continue to set benchmarks, they are not only redefining legal education but also shaping the future of the legal profession in India, ensuring it remains robust, dynamic, and aligned with global standards.

OpenAI, the developer of the widely used artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, has asserted before the Delhi High Court that it bears no legal obligations under Indian law due to the absence of a physical presence within the country. The company has stated that it does not maintain any office or permanent establishment in India and that its servers are located outside Indian jurisdiction.

The matter, which is under judicial scrutiny, raises pivotal questions concerning the jurisdictional reach of Indian courts over foreign entities offering digital services in the country. OpenAI's position hinges on the argument that in the absence of a territorial nexus with India, it cannot be subjected to Indian regulatory frameworks or legal liabilities.

The ongoing case is expected to set a significant precedent regarding the accountability of foreign tech companies operating within India's digital ecosystem. Legal experts suggest that the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the interpretation and enforcement of India's Information Technology laws, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The Delhi High Court, while considering OpenAI's submission, is expected to examine whether the operations of the company, despite being conducted remotely, have a substantial impact on Indian users. The case is being closely monitored by stakeholders across the technology, legal, and policy sectors, as it could influence the regulatory approach adopted by Indian authorities towards foreign digital service providers.

OpenAI's stance is anticipated to fuel discussions on the necessity for comprehensive legal frameworks that clearly define the liabilities and obligations of foreign tech entities with a substantial user base in India. Experts believe that the case could prompt legislative and regulatory bodies to revisit existing policies and formulate more robust guidelines to address jurisdictional challenges posed by cross-border digital operations.

The Delhi High Court has yet to announce the date of the next hearing, and the verdict is expected to have a profound impact on the future regulatory landscape governing AI technologies in India. The legal community and policymakers await the court's decision, which could pave the way for greater clarity on the extraterritorial applicability of Indian laws to global technology firms.