Why Mumbai’s Government Law College principal is facing strong criticism from former HC judge and other alumni

The notice, dated July 31 issued by GLC principal Dr Asmita Vaidya, stated, “While the content may be well-intentioned and may include individuals connected to the legal field, the use of the name ‘GLC’ (commonly associated with Government Law College, Mumbai) in the branding of this channel is unauthorised and misleading.”

Further emphasising that the college has no affiliation or association with the platform, the notice added, “The institution has not endorsed, approved, or collaborated with this entity or its administrators. Any content published by ‘GLC Law and Lore’ does not reflect the views, policies, or official stance of GLC,” further warning students that any continued misuse of the institution’s name may compel the college to consider further appropriate action.

While the notice has attracted criticism from several alumni, it was Justice Patel’s strongly worded letter to Dr Vaidya that has stood out. In the letter dated August 1 he wrote, “GLC was ours, long, long before you. And it will survive you as it has survived others.” Justice Patel is an alumnus and also former head of the college’s governing Council.

Calling the notice “entirely unjustified and, from any perspective unacceptably meanspirited, inconsiderate, humiliating and unkind”, the letter stated that this is “not at all the approach one expects from an institution in loco parentis. These are our students. They are to be mentored. Their initiatives are to be encouraged, not hammered into oblivion.”

Further describing the college’s threat of “follow-up action” against students as “contemptible and disgraceful,” Justice Patel concluded his letter by offering the students legal support should any lawsuit be pursued against them.

Dr Vaidya clarified that the public notice was issued purely as a precautionary measure. “Any international institution always has to ensure that its name is not misused anywhere. We are neither commenting on the content of the said platform nor were we aware that students were behind this programme. The public notice was issued only to inform the public that there is no association with GLC. There was no intention to harm anybody,” she said.