Justice Chandrashekar M Joshi of the Karnataka High Court has issued a clarion call for a transformative shift in legal education within the state. Speaking at an event in Dharwad, the judge emphasized the urgent need for universities to modernize their approach to prepare the next generation of legal professionals.
Inauguration and a Call for a New Era
The occasion was the inauguration of the gymnasium, college union, and National Service Scheme (NSS) activities at Karnatak University's Sir Siddappa Kambli Law College in Dharwad on Thursday. Justice Joshi, serving as the chief guest, described the legal profession as a sacred and responsible vocation, highlighting the pivotal role lawyers played in India's freedom struggle and the framing of the Constitution.
He pointed out that the rapid pace of change in science, technology, and emerging disciplines demands that legal education continuously adapt. Law students must equip themselves with the confidence and competence to face evolving global opportunities and legal challenges, he asserted.
Key Recommendations for Academic Reform
Justice Joshi outlined specific, actionable steps for Karnatak University to strengthen its legal education framework. A central proposal was to broaden the eligibility criteria for the three-year LLB program. Currently, the university offers only the five-year integrated BA LLB and the three-year LLB courses.
He suggested that from the coming academic year, LLB admissions should be opened to graduates from science and engineering streams, such as BSc and BE degrees. This move, he argued, would not only widen opportunities for aspiring lawyers but also significantly enrich interdisciplinary learning within the legal field.
Furthermore, Justice Joshi addressed a critical gap in resources, noting a shortage of subject experts. He stressed that the law curriculum requires immediate updating to include new and relevant subjects, ensuring the production of competent, future-ready professionals. He also underlined the necessity for coordination between Karnatak University and the National Law University (NLU) in Dharwad to collaboratively drive meaningful academic reforms.
Emphasis on Ethics and University's Role
The event also saw addresses from other dignitaries who reinforced the core message. Karnataka Bar Council chairman VD Kamareddy, who was the chief guest, urged law students to uphold the highest ethical values and dedicate themselves to protecting the interests of litigants.
Justice Joshi concluded by reinforcing the crucial responsibility of universities in shaping students' futures. He called upon Karnatak University to usher in a new era by adopting progressive academic reforms, thereby empowering students to meet future demands head-on.
The program was presided over by senior advocate KB Navalagimath. Others who spoke included Karnatak University vice-chancellor Prof AM Khan, governing council member Robert Daddapuri, and college principal SR Manjula.
