NLSIU has asserted that it is dissociating itself completely from the conduct of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2020 after a statement intimating the removal of National Law School of India University (NLSIU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Sudhir Krishnaswamy from the post of Secretary-Treasurer of the NLU Consortium was released.
Disputing the Consortium’s stance on this aspect, has asserted that it has not violated any Consortium bylaws in deciding to hold a separate law entrance exam this year.
“NLSIU affirms that the University, and its Vice Chancellor, have not violated the Consortium Bye-Laws. NLSIU has been a Founding Member of the Consortium, and has not acted in derogation of the objectives of the Consortium at any time and in any manner. Moreover, the Vice Chancellor has not acted in any manner that gives rise to any potential for a conflict of interest. Hence, the claims made and decisions reported to have been taken by the Consortium in its Press Release dated 6th September have no legal basis or authority“, reads the statement.
The September 6 statement further asserts it had raised concerns over the delay in the conduct of CLAT 2020 several times with the Consortium.
“NLSIU clarifies that the situation arising out of the repeated postponement of CLAT 2020 was fully discussed by the Faculty and the Executive Council which unanimously resolved and authorized the University, and the Vice Chancellor to conduct a separate admissions process, if there was any further delay of CLAT 2020″, read the statement.
It adds that various alternatives had also been suggested to address the concerns, including:
- Carving out an exception for NLUs where a single national exam may not be feasible in 2020
- Allowing CLAT to be conducted in two or more series
- Allowing individual NLUs to conduct an exam, permitting CLAT candidates to appear for a separate exam with no further need for registration or fee payment
These options were rejected repeatedly by the Executive Committee of the Consortium of NLUs.
“On the one hand the Consortium was unwilling to confirm the date for the conduct of CLAT 2020. On the other it was unable to consider any of the options proposed by NLSIU, or permit individual NLUs to develop their own approach in the exceptional circumstances presented in a COVID-affected academic year.”
“The University responded to the Consortium in writing to point out that the General Body had no legal authority under the Memorandum of Association or the Byelaws to adopt a resolution removing from the Consortium. Moreover, NLSIU reiterated that it would fully support the smooth conduct of CLAT 2020″, the NLSIU statement says.
The statement signed off by NLSIU’s Registrar added,
“No member of the University, including the Vice-Chancellor or any member of staff shall hereafter participate in CLAT 2020 in any manner, administratively or otherwise.”
