'Can't Wait Endlessly': Kerala High Court Directs BCI To Approve Govt's Request For 2 Seats For Transgender Students In All Law Colleges

The Kerala High Court on Friday (October 24) passed an interim order directing the Bar Council of India to give approval for the State Government's request to provide two additional seats for transgender students in all law colleges in Kerala.

When the matter came up for consideration before Justice V.G. Arun, the petitioner's counsel submitted that during the last posting, there was a direction to the BCI to finalsie a date to conduct a General Meeting to make a decision in the matter.

The standing counsel for the BCI told the Court that the matter was placed before the Standing Committee for Legal Education and the committee after due deliberation decided that the decision has to be taken by the General Council of the BCI. He also submitted that it is not possible to submit as to when the General Council will meet next.

On hearing the same, the Court observed:

"In my opinion, the issue cannot wait endlessly for the General Council of the Bar Council to meet. Hence, there shall be an interim direction to the Bar Council to grant approval to the request made by the Government of Kerala vide a communication dated 6.8.2025 for creation of 2 additional seats for transgender students across the State within 10 days of receipt of copy of the order."

The Court was hearing a writ petition seeking reservation under the 'Transgender category' for admissions to integrated Five year LL.B courses in Government Law Colleges. Last time, the petitioner's counsel had told the Court that the admission processes have to be completed by the end of next month, i.e. on November 30.

The matter is posted after 10 days.

Case Title: Esai Clara v State of Kerala

Case No: WP(C) 30999/ 2025

Counsel for Petitioner: Raghul Sudheesh, Unnikrishnan S. Thandiyaan, Umadevi M., Ambily T. Venu, J. Lakshmi

Counsel for Respondent: P.C. Sasidharan, Rajit - BCI