Students With 3-Year Diploma/Polytechnic After Class X Eligible For BA LLB Admission, Incorporate In Prospectus: Madras High Court To TNDALU

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University to permit a student, who had pursued a three-year diploma after the 10th standard, to participate in the admission process for the five-year BA LLB course. 

The court said he cannot be disqualified merely on the ground that he had studied three year diploma course after completing the 10th standard.

The Bar Council of India had earlier clarified that the 3 year diploma/polytechnic course issued by an institution recognized by the government shall be considered at par with Class XII certificate for the purpose of admission to the 5 year integrated L.L.B. Degree Course.

Justice CV Karthikeyan said the circular is quite self-explanatory in nature and it is clear that the petitioner's qualification entitles him to participate in the selection process for the 5 year integrated law course.

The court also took note of a division bench decision dated 21.12.2022 in P. Santhru Swaminathan Vs. The Registrar, the Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University and two others where also the issue was examined and it was held that the 3 year diploma/polytechnic course issued by an institution recognized by the Government shall be considered at par with +2 certificate for the purpose of admission for the 5 year integrated L.L.B., degree course.

"This judgment simplifies the entire issue and a direction is given to the respondents to permit the petitioner to participate in the counselling and thereafter, if he is otherwise eligible offer him a seat for 5 year B.A., L.L.B., course, in accordance with other rules and regulations. But he cannot be disqualified merely on the ground that, he had studied 3 year diploma course, after completing the 10th standard," said the court.

The court thus allowed the petition and also directed the Registrar of Tamil Nadu Ambedkar Law University to incorporate this position while issuing a prospectus for the next academic year.

"The 1st respondent, when they issue the prospectus for the future years, may consider the judgment of this Court, particularly, the judgment of the Division Bench, stated above, and also the Bar Council of India circular and incorporate in their prospectus, that the students who have completed 3 year diploma / polytechnic by a recognized institution after completing 10th standard, shall also be considered at par with those students who had done their +2 and obtained their certificates," said the court.  

Case Title: S.Karthi v The Registrar, The Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Mad) 524

Case No: W.P.No.18822 of 2022