The Kerala High Court on 22 June closed a petition concerning the absence of Bar Council of India (BCI) affiliation for Government Law College, Kozhikode, after noting that the institution has now been granted provisional affiliation for six months.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that the primary grievance raised in the case had been addressed through the BCI's recent decision and therefore no further orders were required on the main issue.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed by Idukki-based advocate Muhammed Anwar Saidu, who sought retrospective recognition of the college's five-year integrated law course. The matter gained significance after the petitioner claimed that the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) in Canada treated his law degree as "unqualified" while assessing his eligibility for higher studies and legal opportunities abroad.
The plea highlighted concerns over the absence of BCI affiliation and its potential impact on graduates from the institution.
During earlier hearings, the High Court had expressed concern that students could face prejudice due to the lack of affiliation and had directed authorities to take steps to resolve the issue.
Court's Observations
When the matter came up for hearing, the Court was informed that the BCI had issued a letter granting provisional affiliation to the college for six months.
Recording this development, Justice Thomas stated,
“Since the provisional affiliation is already issued and the compliance of conditions for continuance of affiliation is a matter which has to be complied with by the Principal of the college, I am of the view that the grievance projected in the writ petition stands redressed.”
The Court also noted the submission made by the BCI's standing counsel that all pending payments had been cleared by the college and that the affiliation would continue provided the institution maintained the educational standards prescribed under law.
Advocate Azad Sunil, appearing for the petitioner, requested the Court to ensure that steps were taken for securing regular affiliation within a reasonable time.
Decision
While closing the petition, the High Court directed the Principal of Government Law College, Kozhikode, to take necessary steps for continuation of the affiliation process and obtain regular affiliation without unnecessary delay.
The Court observed,
“Needless to mention, the Principal shall take steps to continue the affiliation and obtain regular affiliation without undue delay.”
With the grant of provisional affiliation and assurances regarding compliance, the High Court concluded that the grievance raised in the petition had been adequately addressed and formally closed the case.
Case Details:
Case Title: Muhammed Anwar Saidu v. Bar Council of India and Others
Case Number: WP(C) No. 39952 of 2025
Judge: Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas
Decision Date: June 22, 2026
