Q. How does NLSIU look at the issue of state quotas in the NLUs? Karnataka Government’s attempt to introduce one is stuck in court.
A. The case related to NLSIU is sub-judice so I am not in a position to say anything. However, to talk about NLUs in general, all the NLUs are different from each other academically, legally and with respect to pedagogy. What they share is a common name. As far as the domicile reservation is concerned, it depends on the state where they are operating, as well as the statutes of that state.
Q. Students and alumni argue that introducing state reservation dilutes the NLUs’ national character. Do you agree?
A. I have no doubt about that. But the NLUs were developed on a highly successful model of education. So, there is no surprise that every social group wants to be a part of that success. As a national institution, we would like to be the most diverse institution we can be by achieving all our educational goals. We don’t see any contradiction between the two and we will work very actively to put in place a system that allows for this diverse representation. We are already working on this and we do not need court cases or legislation to push in this direction. In any case, we are committed.
Q. The National Education Policy suggests making all standalone institutions multidisciplinary. Are the NLUs working on this?
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THE LLM PROBLEM
In January, the Bar Council of India issued a notification putting an end to the one-year LLM programme, leaving students and teachers perplexed.
‘WE MIGHT TAKE A CLUSTER UNIVERSITY APPROACH'
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bengaluru doesn’t need a change in law or court cases to become more diverse, said Vice Chancellor, Sudhir Krishnaswamy. He spoke to Careers360 about how NLSIU, caught in a court case related to reservation of 25% seats for Karnataka students, is working on a system to make it more diverse; expanding to accommodate more students and courses; exploring collaborations with other state universities; and planning to raise funds from alumni.
NOT CROSSING THE BAR
There are dozens of career avenues beyond litigation that do not require a law graduate to qualify the bar exam. Many do not qualify the exam and many choose not to write it.
THE DOMICILE DEBATE
Over the past few years, most states have introduced domicile quotas of varying sizes in NLUs. Students, alumni and former administrators continue to oppose this policy.
SISTERHOOD OF LAWYERS
A forum for women lawyers started by a Symbiosis Law School graduate is helping students and graduates find their feet in the profession.
OUTSIDE THE LAW
India’s premier law schools, the National Law Universities, are discussing ways to implement the new National Education Policy. They will need more of everything – funds, infrastructure, teachers.
LAW OF ANOTHER LAND
The largest number of foreign universities whose law degrees the Bar Council of India recognises is in the United Kingdom. What can you do with a foreign degree in law?
GAINING A PRACTICAL APPROACH
Online courses train lawyers in newer branches of law, help students gain practical experience and keep other professionals updated on the regulations that govern their sectors.
COVERING NEW TERRAIN
Law schools offer a range of short-term diploma courses for both lawyers, other working professionals and students. Several cover emerging areas of concern such as bioterrorism, GIS and remote-sensing.
Interns Are Often Considered ‘Free Labour'
A student who interned with a law-firm during the pandemic writes about working long hours without a stipend and what they learned from mistakes.
CLEAR VERDICT
With its innovative courses, emphasis on research and holistic student welfare model, the premier law school remains miles ahead of the competition
Crisis in legal studies
The problems plaguing the National Law Universities can be traced to a lack of financial support from the state, which also has the effect of passing the burden of higher fees on to students and effectively keeping out students from less privileged backgrounds.
Karnataka: The Best Destination To Study Law
Karnataka has many firsts to its credit in the legal world, and an ever-growing demand for fresh graduates