32 Students Move Delhi HC Against DU’s LL.M. Practice Prohibition

The Delhi High Court in its hearing on19th August has issued notice on a plea challenging a condition enforced by the Delhi University stating that the two-year LL.M. programme is available only to students who are not engaged in any employment, trade, profession, business, or occupation. Justice Vikas Mahajan sought response of the University and Bar Council of India (BCI) and listed the matter for hearing on September 25. The plea has been filed by 32 students who are pursuing LL.M at the faculty of law for the session 2024–2026. Their case alleges that the condition is ‘ arbitrary, ultra vires and unconstitutional’. The plea stated:

 On the strength of this aforementioned Notification, the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi by way of rules, imposed an affidavit condition which requires LL.M. (2-year course) students to declare that they will not practise law during the course of their studies. The Petitioners who are already enrolled as advocates submit that this condition is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and directly violates their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution.”

They further add that other universities, including the ones that offer more rigorous one-year LL.M. programmes, do not impose such restrictions, allowing students to simultaneously practise law and gain practical experience. This, they argue, places DU’s students at a disadvantage compared to their competing institutions when applying for judicial services or other professional opportunities.

Image Credits: Bar and Bench 

Divyanshi Dusad
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