Government Law College, Ernakulam

Last updated

Government Law College, Ernakulam
Other name
GLC Kochi
Former names
His Highness The Maharajas Law College, Ernakulam
MottoFiat Justitia Ruat Caelum
(Let justice be done though the heavens fall)
Established1874;150 years ago (1874)
Affiliation Mahatma Gandhi University
Bar Council of India
Principal Dr. Bindhu Nambiar, Ph.D [1]
Location
Kochi
,
Kerala
,
India
Campus Urban
Website http://www.glcekm.com

The Government Law College, Ernakulam, also known as His Highness the Maharajas Government Law College, Ernakulam is an prestigious institution for undergraduate and post-graduate legal education in Kochi, Kerala, India. Founded in 1874, it is the first law college in the state of Kerala and one of the oldest law colleges in India. The Campus is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is near to Marine Drive and High Court of Kerala. Blanketed by tall and rare species of trees, its campus features a mix of old and modern architecture. The college is recognised by Bar Council of India and affiliated to the Faculty of Law, Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam and is a reputed Research Centre in Law. The college’s prestigious alumni includes former Chief Justice of India K. G. Balakrishnan, Noted Indian actor Padma Shree Mammootty, former Defence Minister of India A. K. Antony , and former Chief Minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy. It is popularly known as Ernakulam Law College or Maharajas Law College. [2]

Contents

Law College Ernakulam.jpg

History

Government Law College's history began in 1874 when legal education was started in Kerala by the Maharajah of Cochin sanctioning the organisation of a law class in connection with His Highness College Cochin. This was intended to enable candidates from Cochin to present themselves for the law examination of Madras University. Those law classes continued until 1894, when the institution was reorganised entirely. The college was shifted to Thiruvananthapuram and raised to the status of an independent college as His Highness the Maharajah's Law College, Thiruvananthapuram, with W.T.A. Cosby, bar-at-law (judge of the High Court of Travancore who was appointed as professor of law in 1892) as the first principal. A complete set of rules was formulated by the government for the control and regulation of work in the college. The rules prescribed the qualification for members of the teaching staff.

The college was maintained by the Maharajah of Travancore from the beginning and managed until 1909, when it was placed under the Direction of the Public Instruction. In 1910, the college came under the High Court of Travancore. With the inauguration of the Travancore University in 1938, the college was transferred to the control of the university. In 1957, the Kerala University was formed and the college came under it. In 1983, with the establishment of Mahatma Gandhi University at Kottayam, the college became a constituent college of that university and is now affiliated to it.

In August 1949, the college was moved to Ernakulam to fit it with the integration of the former states of Thiruvithamkoor and Kochi and the consequent moving of the Travancore-Cochin High Court from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam. The college has been housed in the old assembly building of Kochi state at Ernakulam since 1949. The college celebrated the centenary of legal education in 1975. In July 1954, a second law college was started at Thiruvananthapuram.

In 1967/68, the three-year LL.B. course was started and the title of the degree of M.L. was changed to LL.M. During 1968/69, the two-year B.L. degree course was abolished. A part-time course for the three-year LL.B. started during 1968/69 but was abolished in 2002. [3]

To commemorate the move of the Law College back to Ernakulam, the college celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1999.

Courses

B.Com., LL.B (Hons)

This is a five-year integrated law course, leading to a B.Com., LL.B (Hons). Each year consist of two semesters. The student earns the integrated B.Com. LL.B. degree after completing the tenth semester, i.e., upon successful completion of five years. This course is being introduced from the academic year 2016–17.

LL.B 3 Year Degree

This is a three-year law course, leading to the award of an honours degree. The course structure is divided into six semesters over three years. [2] qualification degree.

LL.M

The LL.M. course enables students to develop their interests in many of the major areas of law to which they have been introduced in the LL.B. course, and also provides the opportunity to study important aspects of specialized areas of law in The duration of the course is two years. [2] At present, the college is offering instruction in two branches of law in the LL.M degree, Criminal Law and Commercial Law.

Campus

The Campus situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake and near to Marine Drive, Kochi and District Court Ernakulam. Blanketed by tall and rare species of trees, its campus features a mix of old and modern architecture. The main block of the law college is the grand old legislative hall of Cochin Legislative Council. In 1949, when the college was shifted from Trivandrum to Ernakulam, the legislative hall became the part of His Highness the Maharaja's Law College.

The college enrols over 700 students for the LL.B course and 30 students for the LL.M course.

In 2006, the government declared the campus a heritage site and offered Rs. 50,00,000 for its renovation which is still in progress. [4] The library building includes the computer laboratory. All classrooms are equipped with microphones and speakers for better audibility. WiFi is available for the students' use.

Library

The Government Law College, Ernakulam has one of the oldest law libraries in the country today. The institution has a full-fledged library which has more than 37,000 Volumes and 22 periodicals and is the oldest law library in the state of Kerala. The library has subscriptions to online journals such as Manupatra, CDJ Law Journal, SCC Online, Lexis Nexis (India), Lex Libraria and Hein Online. It also has offline databases of AIR Infotech and KLT Infotech.

Hostels

Government Law College, Ernakulam has both men's and women's hostels. The men's hostel which is metaphorically named House of Lords is a live and cheerful space in the city situated in Colombo Jn. on the rear side of the campus.

It often finds a mention in the dailies as a hub of creative activities and out of the box thinking. It accommodates 80 students. The women's hostel is placed adjacent to the college campus which is also a happy space where about 30 students stay.

Controversy

In 2016, in a reply to a RTI application sent by one of the student, Bar Council of India stated that the five-year integrated B.A. (Criminology) LL.B (Hons) course which started in 2011 is not recognized by UGC which means that the students will not be eligible to get enrolled as Advocates, even if they complete the course successfully. [5] [6] After the university made necessary changes to the syllabus, the course was given recognition.The said course was titled as B.A., LL.B(5 year Integrated Law Degree course. The said course was replaced with five-year integrated B.Com LL.B (Hons) degree for new batches from academic year 2016–17. [7]

Notable alumni

Judiciary

Justice K. G. Balakrishnan K. G. Balakrishnan.jpg
Justice K. G. Balakrishnan

Government

Legislators

Malayalam Film Industry

Mammootty Mamooty.jpg
Mammootty

Others

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma</span> Last ruling Maharajah of Travancore from 1924–1949

Sree Padmanabhadasa Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, popularly known as Sree Chithira Thirunal, was the last ruling Maharaja of the Indian princely state of Travancore, in southern India until 1949 and later the Titular Maharajah of Travancore until 1991. His reign is known for several notable reforms that have indelible impact on the society and culture of Kerala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thodupuzha</span> Municipality in Kerala, India

Thodupuzha is a municipality in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is located 26 km (16.2 mi) west of the district headquarters in Painavu and about 157 km (97.6 mi) north of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. As per the 2011 Indian census, Thodupuzha has a population of 52,045 people, and a population density of 1,468/km2 (3,800/sq mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oommen Chandy</span> 10th Chief Minister of Kerala (1943–2023)

Oommen Chandy was the 10th chief minister of Kerala, serving from 2004 to 2006 and 2011 to 2016. He served also as the leader of the opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2006 to 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CMS College Kottayam</span> Educational institute in Kerala

The CMS College, established in 1815, is one of the earliest Western-style college in India. This college is located at Kottayam, in the Kottayam district of Kerala. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts, commerce, and sciences. It also offers different vocational degree courses. It is affiliated to the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. It has been given Autonomous status by the University Grants Commission, India. CMS College, Kottayam and Presidency College Calcutta, established in the same year, are the two earliest western-style colleges of India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Berchmans College</span> Syriac Catholic college in Kerala, India

St. Berchmans College, Changanassery (Autonomous), also known as SB College, is one of the first Autonomous Colleges in Kerala, India. Established in 1922, the college is considered to be one of the oldest and prestigious institutions in India. The University Grants Commission (UGC) identified the College under its “College with Potential for Excellence” scheme. UGC and the Government of Kerala granted autonomy to the college on June 13, 2014. The college celebrated its centenary in the academic year of 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. R. Gouri Amma</span> Indian politician (1919–2021)

K. R. Gouri, born Kalathilparambil Raman Gouri, commonly known as Gouri Amma, was an Indian politician from Alappuzha in central Kerala. She was one of the most prominent leaders of the Left movement in India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kerala High Court</span> High Court in Kerala, India

The High Court of Kerala is the highest court in the Indian state of Kerala and the Union territory of Lakshadweep. It is located in Kochi. Drawing its powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the High Court has the power to issue directions, orders and writs including the writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari for ensuring the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution to citizens or for other specified purposes. The High Court is empowered with original, appellate and revisional jurisdiction in civil as well as criminal matters, and the power to answer references to it under some statutes. The High Court has the superintendence and visitorial jurisdiction over all courts and tribunals of inferior jurisdiction covered under its territorial jurisdiction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maharaja's College, Ernakulam</span> Degree College in Kochi, Kerala, India

The Maharaja's College is a government college of higher education located in the city of Kochi in Kerala, India. Established in 1875, it is one of the oldest colleges in India. Located in the heart of the city, the college campus is spread over 100,000 square metres on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Blanketed by tall and rare species of trees, its campus features is a mix of old and modern architecture and covers a total area of 19,525 m2 (210,170 sq ft), providing infrastructural facilities for the 22 departments of the college.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan</span> Indian politician (born 1949)

Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan is an Indian politician from the state of Kerala. From 13 April 2012 to 1 January 2014, he was the Home Minister in Oommen Chandy Ministry, Government of Kerala. He simultaneously held the Vigilance portfolio for the same time period and subsequently took over Forest, Transport, Sports, Cinema & Environment portfolios for the remaining duration of the ministry

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anna Chandy</span> Indian judge (1905–1996)

Justice Anna Chandy (1905–1996), also known as Anna Chandi, was the first female judge (1937) and then High Court judge (1959) in India. She was, in fact, one of the first female judges in the British Empire next to Emily Murphy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government Law College, Kozhikode</span> Law college in Kerala

The Government Law College, Kozhikode or Kozhikode Law College situated on the outskirts of Kozhikode, India, is owned by the Government of Kerala and affiliated to the University of Calicut. The college caters to the needs of the north Malabar region of Kerala. Students are selected through a state level entrance test. The college offers LL.B and LL.M courses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram</span> Law college in Kerala

Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram also known as GLC Trivandrum, is an institution for legal education at graduate and post-graduate levels in Kerala, India. Established by the then Maharaja of the state of Travancore in 1875, it is one of the oldest law colleges in India, and is affiliated to the University of Kerala. Alumni of the college include judges of the Supreme Court of India such as Justice Fathima Beevi, judges of various High Courts, statesmen and academicians like N. R. Madhava Menon.

Kerala Law Academy (KLA), also referred to as the Kerala Law Academy Law College, is a self financing law college in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Founded in 1967, it is the first, and was for many years the only, self financing law institution in the state. It is accredited by the Bar Council of India. and affiliated to the University of Kerala.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. M. Seethi Sahib</span> Indian politician and intellectual

K. M. Seethi Sahib (1899—1961), born K. M. Seethi, was an Indian politician and community leader from Kerala. He served as the Speaker of Kerala Assembly during 1960-61.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Second Chandy ministry</span> Period in Indian politics, 2011–2016

The United Democratic Front government led by Oommen Chandy sworn in on 18 May 2011. Seven of the total 20 members of the Cabinet took office on 18 May and the rest sworn in on 23 May after completing discussion with member parties of the UDF.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">V. K. Ebrahimkunju</span> Indian politician

V. K. Ebrahim Kunju is an Indian politician, who was the former Minister for Public Works of the Government of Kerala. He represented the Kalamassery constituency in Kerala from 2011 to 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. Babu</span> Indian politician (born 1951)

K. Babu is an Indian politician and the former Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Excise, Government of Kerala. He is the representative of Thripunithura constituency in Kerala from 1991 to 2016 and again from 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K. M. Chandy (politician)</span> Indian Freedom Fighter, Indian politician (1921–1998)

Kizhakkayil Mathai Chandy was an Indian Freedom fighter, Indian National Congress leader, Member of the Travancore–Cochin Legislative Assembly who also served as the governor of the Indian states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and the Union Territory of Pondicherry. From 1948 to 1951, he served as a member of the Travancore State Legislature. From 1952 to 1954, he served as a M.L.A. in the Travancore-Cochin Legislative Assembly. He was also the former president of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and chairman of Rubber Board.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N. Sakthan</span> Indian politician (born 1951)

N. Sakthan is an Indian politician who was Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2015 to 2016. He was also the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Kattakada, Thiruvananthapuram, from 2011 to 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">College of Climate Change and Environmental Science</span> Indian climate research institution

The College of Climate Change and Environmental Science (CoCCES), formerly called as Academy of Climate Change Education and Research (ACCER), is an institution established by Kerala Agricultural University in 2010 to study about climate change under the faculty of agriculture. The campus is situated at Vellanikara, Thrissur, Kerala, India, and has a five-year course on M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and a four-year course on B.Sc. Climate Change and Environmental Science.

References

  1. ↑ "news4education.com". ww38.news4education.com.
  2. 1 2 3 "Mahatma Gandhi University Kerala". MG University. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  3. ↑ Government Law College Calendar 2011–2012, Printed at the Superintendent of Government Presses at the Government Press Ernakulam (185/320/2011--1)
  4. ↑ "Rs.50 lakhs for renovating Government Law College". The Hindu. 30 June 2006. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  5. ↑ KM, Ashok. "BCI says 5 year BA LLB Course in Govt Law College, Ernakulam is not recognized". www.livelaw.in. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  6. ↑ "RTI shocker: Future looks bleak for students of Law College". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  7. ↑ "Centralised Allotment Process for admission to Integrated Five Year LL.B Course 2016-17" (PDF).
  8. ↑ "Lawyer, teacher and politician: Meet Congress' Puthuppally candidate Chandy Oommen". onmanorama.com. 8 August 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2023.

9°58′30″N76°16′48″E / 9.975°N 76.280°E / 9.975; 76.280

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.