[Breaking] Five CLAT Aspirants Move Jharkhand HC Challenging NLSIU's Decision To Hold Separate Entrance Exam

The petition has been filed by 5 CLAT aspirants from Jharkhand, stating that NLSIU's decision to withdraw from CLAT and to hold a separate examination, despite being a "permanent member" of the NLU Consortium, is unlawful and arbitrary.

The Petitioners have  pointed out that the University has changed its stance after filling of the CLAT forms and is thus in violation of principle of promissory estoppel. Further, declaration of new pattern of examination by the University, around 10 days before the declared date of CLAT, is illegal and against the established precedents of the Supreme Court for the conduct of "fair and just examination".

Moreover it is contended that the move is violative of clause 15.7 (Voluntary withdrawal of member institution) of the bye laws of the Consortium of NLUs.

It was on September 3 that the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, announced its decision to hold a separate test for admission to five year B.A LL.B(Hons) course for the academic year 2020-21. The new test called the 'National Law Aptitude Test' (NLAT) is proposed to be held online on September 12.

The Petitioners have urged the Court to set aside this decision and to grant ad-interim, ex-parte stay on the effect and operation of the notice during pendency of the petition.

The Petition has been filed through Advocates Shubham Gautam and Baibhaw Gehlaut