UGC Opposes Plea in HC Against Admission to 5-Year Law Course in DU Via CLAT Not CUET

College Tour Sep-15-2023

“The University Grants Commission (UGC) has taken a stance against a petition filed in the High Court challenging Delhi University's admission process for its 5-year law course. The petitioner is contesting the use of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) rather than the newly introduced Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admissions.”

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has opposed a plea in the Delhi High Court challenging Delhi University's decision to admit students to its 5-year law course solely on the basis of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)-UG 2023 and not the Common Law Course University Entrance Test(CUET).

The petition, filed by a student, has argued that the DU's decision is arbitrary and violates the principle of equality. It has also stated that the CUET is a national-level entrance test that is fair and transparent, and that it should be used for admission to all undergraduate programmes, including law.

In its counter-affidavit, the UGC has defended the DU's decision, saying that the 5-year law course is a professional degree program that demands different yardsticks for admission. It has also stated that the CLAT is a well-established test that has been used for admission to law schools for many years.

The High Court has now asked the UGC and the DU to file their further submissions by September 20.

The UGC's opposition to the petition is a setback for the student who filed it. However, it is still possible that the HC will rule in favour of the student and direct the DU to admit students to the 5-year law course via CUET.

The decision of the High Court will have implications for other universities that are planning to introduce 5-year law programs. If the High Court rules in favour of the student, it is likely that other universities will also be required to admit students to their 5-year law courses via CUET.

The use of CUET for admission to law schools is a controversial issue. Some people argue that it is a fair and transparent way to select students, while others argue that it does not take into account the specific needs of law schools. The decision of the High Court will be closely monitored by both sides of the debate.