Plea In Gujarat High Court Seeks To Streamline Functioning Of Govt Aided Law Institutions And Compliance Of BCI Standards

A plea has been moved before the Gujarat High Court regarding the non compliance of the minimum standard prescribed by the Bar Council of India under the Legal Education Rules, 2008 by the Government aided law institutions in the State. 

Taking note of the issue raised, division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi in its order directed that the matter be brought to the knowledge of the Advocate General. 

"The submission is that the issue raised in the present petition is about the streamlining of the functioning of the government aided law colleges in the State of Gujarat established decade ago. Taking note of the issues raised before us, we provide that this matter be brought to the knowledge of the learned Advocate General so as to enable him to remain present on the next fixed date," the bench said. 

The Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioners submitted that most aided institutions are operated by public trusts or registered societies and have been around for 50 to 75 years.

It was submitted that these well-established colleges need to be upgraded to meet the current standards set by the Bar Council of India's Legal Education Rules. It was argued that the Bar Council's practice of imposing heavy fines on these institutions is hindering their operations. It was contended that consequently, there has been a significant drop in student admissions this academic year, leading to a decline in these colleges and a rise in self-financed law colleges in recent years.

The matter is now listed on October 23. 

Case Title: Mayurdhwajsinh Laxmansinh Rahevar & Ors v/s The Bar Council of India & Ors

Click Here To Read/Download Order