The petition contends that five-year courses are not suitable for schildren.
“5 precious years is not proportional to study Law and fourthly, this puts excessive financial burden on the students to complete such a lengthy degree. Had there been less time of 03 years for finishing the bachelor degree, the student could have gotten 02 undisturbed years to obtain practical knowledge in Court or Law Firm or to pursue Master degree or to prepare for judicial exam.”
The plea makes a reference to the late jurists Fali S Nariman and Ram Jethmalani to argue that students should be allowed to start their advocacy careers by 21 years of age.
“If a person can become a legend of the bar by starting their law career in just 17 years, then why should the youth waste 02 additional years of their life in the 05 years integrated course and not start their career from a young age of 20-21 years? … There are numerous examples of prodigies not being encumbered by a rigid system which focuses more on being the jack of all rather than being the master of one.”
Upadhyay argues that the five-year course length is at the behest of expensive colleges. It is emphasised that civil servants can start their careers right after completing their undergraduate studies.
“Students don’t need a Bachelor of Arts to gain preliminary knowledge or law. Then why should Students be forced to waste 2 years obtaining it? … A student can become an IAS Officer after a simple graduation and attaining 21 years but for becoming a lawyer, he has to complete 05 years course after 12th standard, which is irrational.”
Source: Barandbench
