A law student from Government Law College, Ernakulam has approached the Kerala High Court. They are challenging a university-imposed restriction. This restriction limits the number of internships law students can undertake under trial and appellate court lawyers.
Justice TR Ravi issued notice to the Bar Council of India (BCI). He also notified Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) and the law college. This occurred after fourth-semester LL.B student Ashwin R filed a writ petition questioning the legality of the cap.
BCI’s Legal Education Rules, 2008 mandate a minimum of 12 weeks of internships across different legal settings. These include trial or appellate advocates. There is no upper limit on the number of such internships under the BCI framework.
However, according to Ashwin, the academic regulations of MGU and the Ernakulam law college impose restrictions. Students cannot undertake more than two litigation internships. This is enforced regardless of the student’s interests or career goals.
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The petitioner argued that such a restriction violates academic freedom. It also infringes on fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution. Students from this institution are disadvantaged. This is evident when compared to peers from other universities that impose no such limitation.
“Litigation internships are the backbone of real-world legal training. This restriction is not only irrational but also contrary to the BCI’s aim of promoting clinical legal education,” the plea states.
Ashwin further highlighted that students aspiring to enter litigation are denied critical exposure to courtroom practice. They miss drafting, research, and procedural law due to this arbitrary cap.
The petition seeks the Court’s intervention. It aims to strike down the disputed regulation. This action will ensure that students across India receive equal opportunities in their legal education and career development.
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