The Student Bar Association of National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Bangalore has resolved to fight Karnataka’s move to introduce a 50 per cent state domicile reservation at India’s oldest national law school.

The state Law Minister TB Jayachandra had tabled the ‘2017 National Law School of India University (Amendment) Bill’ on June 20. It was passed by the Legislative Assembly, but is yet to be passed by the Legislative Council.

Quite unsurprisingly, the Student Bar has reacted strongly to the amendment, terming it as antithetical to the University’s cultural and regional diversity. A letter written by the Student Bar states,

“One of the most cherished aspects of life at NLSIU has been the immense cultural and regional diversity which we have witnessed over the years. Such diversity has contributed to enhancing our learning experience manifold, and also led to many different parts of the country gaining from having well-trained lawyers and academics. Efforts to dilute that diversity strike at the core of the ethos of our University.”

The letter also points out the fact that in the recent past, NLSIU has been running with very little help, financial or otherwise, from the state government.

At the end of the letter, the Student Bar vows to,

“…pursue all available options, including continuing discussions at the State as well as Central level, with our Chancellor the Chief Justice of India, with the Bar Council of India, the Supreme Court and all other authorities concerned.”

Read the full text of NLSIU Amendment Bill here.

Read the letter: