The Kerala High Court has raised a critical question over the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) approval for the five-year BA LLB course at the Government Law College (GLC), Kozhikode, which allegedly expired after the 2011 academic batch. The development has created uncertainty over the qualifications of several graduates, including practicing advocates and judicial officers.
Court Questions Validity of GLC Kozhikode’s Law Degree
The issue surfaced during the hearing of a case filed by Muhammed Anwar Saidu, who completed his law degree in 2021. He reportedly discovered the approval gap only when seeking recognition for his qualification in Canada. As per BCI records presented in court, GLC Kozhikode’s approval was valid only up to the 2010–2011 academic year. However, the college allegedly continued admitting students, conducting examinations, and issuing degrees through its affiliated university even after the approval period had lapsed.
Petitioner Alleges Violation of Advocates Act
The petitioner has claimed that both the college administration and the State Higher Education Department failed to inform students about the expired approval status. He also accused the Bar Council of Kerala of enrolling graduates from the unapproved batches, which he argues is a violation of Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961. In his plea, the petitioner stated: “I spent five years and significant resources on this degree, only to face rejection abroad. The delay in discovering this has caused distress, financial loss, and career damage.” He has requested the High Court to direct the state authorities and GLC Kozhikode to secure retrospective BCI approval from 2011 onward, while urging the BCI to expedite its review process.
High Court Orders Urgent Response from BCI
Presiding over the matter, Justice V. G. Arun noted that the case could have far-reaching implications for legal professionals trained under the program. “This needs immediate correction. Many lawyers and judicial officers could face serious consequences,” the judge observed. The court instructed BCI counsel Rajit to obtain necessary instructions and submit an updated status report at the next hearing. Follow KollegeApply for the latest updates on College Admissions, Courses, Exam Dates, Results, Scholarships, Career Guidance, Education News, and Policy Changes — everything needed to stay ahead in the education journey
