Internship Restriction for Law Students Unfair? Kerala HC Seeks Response from BCI, MG University

A fourth-semester LLB student has approached the Kerala High Court challenging a restriction imposed by Government Law College (GLC), Ernakulam and Mahatma Gandhi (MG) University that limits the number of internships law students can undertake under trial or appellate court lawyers.

Justice TR Ravi, who heard the matter today, issued notices to the Bar Council of India (BCI), MG University, and GLC Ernakulam, directing them to file their responses in the case titled Ashwin R v. Bar Council of India & Ors.

As per the Bar Council of India Rules of Legal Education, 2008, law students pursuing a 3-year or 5-year LLB course must complete a minimum of 12 weeks of internship throughout the programme. The BCI rules specifically state that students must intern at least once under a trial or appellate advocate. However, there is no provision in the rules that limits how many such internships a student may pursue.

The petitioner, Ashwin R, argued that MG University and GLC Ernakulam have arbitrarily imposed a restriction limiting students to only two internships under trial or appellate advocates. Having already completed two such internships, Ashwin is now barred from taking up further similar opportunities—something he believes directly impacts his career prospects in litigation.

Ashwin contended that the restriction violates his academic freedom and infringes upon his fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution. He further argued that this rule is arbitrary, unreasonable, and inconsistent with the broader legal education framework recognised across India.

“The restriction places students from GLC Ernakulam and MG University at a competitive disadvantage compared to peers from other institutions that impose no such cap,” the plea stated.

The petition also emphasised that legal internships are integral to clinical legal education, helping students build critical skills in research, drafting, argumentation, and courtroom procedures. By curtailing the number of internships, the rule contradicts the BCI’s objective of providing practical exposure to law students.

Ashwin has sought that the High Court strike down the relevant regulations issued by MG University and GLC Ernakulam to the extent that they impose limits on internships with trial and appellate advocates.

The case is expected to be heard in detail after the respondents file their replies.