Conduct CLAT in Local Language: HC directs BCI to consider plea as representation [Read Order]

On Friday, the Delhi High Court has directed the Bar Council of India to consider a petition as representation in which conduction of Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), including for the 2020, in local languages. 

The Court has asked BCI that it should take a decision prior to June 30 preferably as it is the last date to submit CLAT 2020 forms.

The petition has been filed by a CLAT aspirant and an unregistered forum of parents and students who want CLAT Exam to be conducted in Hindi language.

It has been contended in the petition that absence of provisions to write the exam in local languages has hindered many eligible candidates from taking up the exam.

The petitioners has argued that CLAT's objective of providing highest standards of legal education and disseminating learning and knowledge of law and legal processes couldn't be accomplished without including local languages for writing the entrance examination, as well for imparting legal education.

The petitioners contended that all students had the equal right to participate in a competitive exam and receive education from the national law universities.

The petition read:

"..giving primacy to English is not only unjust, unfair, improper but it is also in the teeth of Article 343 of the Constitution of India which says that Hindi is the National Language of India."

It petition mentioned that the District Courts functioned in the local vernacular and several medical & engineering entrances were also conducted in vernacular languages.

The Court after listening to the submission observed that since the BCI set the standards for admitting the students into law schools, it should take a call on the cause espoused by the Petitioners.

The Court ordered:

"Since the Bar Council of India sets the standards for admitting the students into law schools, it is for the said Council to take a call on the cause espoused by the petitioner. Accordingly, this petition shall be treated as the petitioner’s representation on which the Bar Council of India shall take a decision within three weeks and convey the same to the petitioner. However, looking at the fact that the forms for such examinations are to be deposited by 30.06.2020, it would be preferable that the Bar Council of India takes a decision prior to that, it such quick decision is feasible."

The Court accordingly disposed of the petition.

The order has been passed by Justice NAJMI WAZIRI on 19-06-2020.

Read Order Here:

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