Kerala High Court seeks BCI Approval Status for GLC Kozhikode’s 5-Year Law Program

HC has questioned approval five-year BA LLB course at Government Law College (GLC), Kozhikode, which expired after 2011 batch.

A case before Kerala High Court questions whether Bar Council of India’s (BCI) approval for five-year BA LLB course at Government Law College (GLC), Kozhikode, expired after the 2011 batch. HC question has put qualifications of graduates, including practicing advocates and judicial officers at risk.

The matter came before Justice V.G. Arun in Muhammed Anwar Saidu in which petitioner, who completed the program in 2021, learned of the issue only when applying for recognition in Canada. The BCI’s record also shows approval only up to the 2010-2011 academic year, reported Bar&Bench.

Despite approval expiry, the college continued admitting students, holding exams, and issuing degrees through the university. The petitioner says neither the institution nor the state higher education department disclosed the problem.

The petitioner also accuses Bar Council of Kerala of enrolling graduates in violation of Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961.

In his plea, he states: “I spent five years and significant resources on this degree, only to face rejection abroad. The delay in discovering this has caused severe distress, financial loss, and career damage.” He has requested court order for GLC and the state to obtain retrospective BCI approval from 2011 onward and for the BCI to fast-track the process.

Justice Arun noted wider impact, remarking: “This needs immediate correction. Many lawyers and judicial officers could face serious consequences.” He asked BCI’s counsel, Rajit, to seek instructions urgently and update the court.