Problem is brewing at Karnataka State Law University (KSLU) which is currently functioning from a circuit house which was taken from Public Works Department. KSLU is supposed to be the largest law university in the world and has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Bar & Bench spoke to VC JS Patil about the future of the University.

Bar & Bench: What are the new initiatives you have taken in the University?

Prof. JS Patil: KSLU is the largest law university in the world. We have 92 law colleges affiliated to our university. The moment the University was established we brought in paradigm shift in legal education in Karnataka State by bringing uniform curriculum for entire state in all 92 law colleges under one university. We have convened All Karnataka Principal’s meeting; for the first time the entire teaching community is involved in the syllabi making activity. Later on we brought in revolutionary change in examination system by introducing bio metric thumb impression so that impersonation is totally wiped off. We have brought in automation in the entire examination branch by introducing OMR sheets for answer scripts. And after the evaluation the paper, answer scripts will be scanned by the machine and automatic coding and decoding will be done and then later on the results will be posted in the website. The students can download the results from the website or access the results by messaging to a particular number. We are planning for knowledge network in the Karnataka State and we have already kick started the programme in collaboration with Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (Government of India Project).

Bar & Bench: What are the infrastructure and finance issues you are facing as the Vice-Chancellor?

Prof. JS Patil: The problem is that we are having only one building. We are functioning from a circuit house which was taken from Public Works Department. Last year we submitted a proposal to Government of Karnataka for the construction of law school building, VC’s bungalow and library. The library’s design was not completed by the architect in time and the proposal is pending. The law school building for which the design has been completed; the Government of Karnataka has deferred the decision. This is a kind of indecisive activity on the part of the Government.

Bar & Bench:  How is the government support? Are you being forced to work under the whims and fancies of the government?

Prof. JS Patil:  I am submitting some proposals to the government and government takes a contrary decision. Then I accordingly try to work with the government’s directions but the government is not having a very clear picture. I had already submitted a clear concept paper when I was the special observer to the University, as to what are the buildings we require and what is the financial commitment we require. But then there is lot of change in Government’s approach. Consequently the Government is making lot of unwanted interferences and hence construction for new campus is not going on very well.

Bar & Bench: Do you think corruption is involved in this?

Prof. JS Patil: Not really, as long as I am there as the Vice-Chancellor I won’t allow it. May be because I am not allowing corruption, things are getting slowed down.

Bar & Bench: Do you think the Law Minister is supportive? 

Prof. JS Patil:  He is under a duty to support me. Everybody is under rule of law. We have a registrar who is an IFS officer. The IFS officer is a peculiar man. I have a law background and that gentleman is from another background. I have written to the Government of Karnataka, requesting the Government to appoint any law professor of their choice as the registrar of the university. They have not taken any action on my request.

Bar & Bench: Do you think there is a move to remove you from the post? Would you resign if they continue to harass you?

Prof. JS Patil: Now I am really contemplating that. I am not a person to give up so easily. I will keep fighting and since I am not getting good support from the Hon’ble Minister, I will make a representation to His Excellency the Governor of Karnataka, who is also the Chancellor of the University. This is one window which I have not yet exhausted. Even after that if nothing happens, I will be left with no other option but to get out of this place.

Bar & Bench: What are the future plans for the Karnataka State Law University? What are the hindrances that you face in implementing it?

Prof. JS Patil: I have signed MOU’s with National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Gandhi Bhavan, Karnataka Institute for Law and Parliamentary Reforms (KILPAR), Nani Palkhivala Foundation, NASSCOM, Lexis Nexis, etc. We have a proper agenda on research, expansion, extension and establishment of new courses. We are planning to introduce 30- 40 diploma and certificate courses and also some new courses in PG level and Doctorate level. All these I am not able to implement because I don’t have adequate teaching or non-teaching staff. Unless the Government support, things will be difficult.

At the end of the day I want to convey to the people of Karnataka and Government of Karnataka that I have been a man who has been working on the project for a four and half years sacrificing so much in my personal life; coming from Gulburga to Dharwad, identifying the land, developing concept paper and submitting the 300 pages report; I have used my own furniture and even my personal car for University’s purposes in the initial days. I appeal to the Government to recognize my efforts and support me so that Karnataka State Law University becomes Model University for the entire country.