PM for reforms in legal system

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday called for “dramatic reform” in the legal education system, saying it had remained “a sea of institutionalised mediocrity.”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday called for “dramatic reform” in the legal education system, saying it had remained “a sea of institutionalised mediocrity.”

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Singh described the lack of quality teachers, shortage of libraries and lack of placement and internship opportunities as the major problems.

“If we are to have a society where the common man gets speedy and affordable access to justice, ...we must ensure our law teachers, practising advocates, judicial officers and legal facilitators are of a very high standard,” he said, inaugurating a national consultation on legal education.

“The sad reality is when we look for experts to head new law schools and faculties, we have precious few to choose from.”

On the National Law Universities, the Prime Minister said: “We do have a small number of dynamic and outstanding law schools, but I am afraid they remain islands of excellence....”

He said the time had come to review what was being taught to the law students. “There is the issue of making our legal curricula multi-disciplinary.”

Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily unveiled a vision statement that called for “an inclusive philosophy” to guide legal reforms.

CJI K.G. Balakrishnan said there was a compelling need to promote research activities in all law colleges.