Andhra Pradesh High Court Mandates Timely Law College Admissions to Streamline Academic Schedules

Court prescribes a detailed timeline for admission processes in law colleges to prevent disruptions in academic calendars.

In a significant move aimed at curbing delays in the admission process for law colleges, the Andhra Pradesh High Court, in a recent judgment, has issued directives to ensure a timely commencement of academic sessions. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Challa Gunaranjan delivered the judgment in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Thandava Yogesh, highlighting the adverse impact of admission delays on academic schedules.

The court identified that the delays were primarily due to the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE), coupled with the slow pace of granting affiliations by universities and the Bar Council of India. These delays resulted in significant disruptions to the academic timelines of law courses across the state, affecting thousands of students aspiring to join 3-year and 5-year LL.B. programs, as well as LL.M. courses.

In its order, the court has outlined a specific schedule for the admission process to be adhered to from the academic year 2026 onwards. This includes issuing notifications for applications by February/March, conducting entrance examinations by April/May, and declaring results by June. The subsequent counselling process must be concluded by July, enabling the academic year to commence by September.

The court emphasized the necessity of a structured timeline for affiliation processes, urging universities to align with Schedule XIII of the Legal Education Rules, 2008. This alignment is crucial to ensure timely approvals from the Bar Council of India, thereby facilitating a smoother admission process.

The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education has been directed to incorporate this schedule in their notifications for entrance examinations, thereby informing the student community well in advance.

The judgment is expected to bring about a significant positive change in the administration of legal education in Andhra Pradesh, ensuring that students can commence their academic pursuits without unnecessary delays. The High Court has disposed of the petition, instructing that these measures be implemented effectively to prevent future disruptions.

Bottom Line:

Admission delays in law colleges adversely affecting academic schedules - Directions issued to prescribe time limits for admission processes to ensure timely commencement of academic curriculum.

Statutory provision(s): Legal Education Rules, 2008 Rule 10, Legal Education Rules, 2008 Rule 26, Schedule XIII of Rules, 2008

Thandava Yogesh v. State of A.P., (Andhra Pradesh)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2812459