High Court revives disabled youth's dreams of becoming a lawyer

Thrissur: Armed with a Kerala High Court directive, a wheelchair-bound youth is set to fulfil his dream to become a lawyer.

Biju was bedridden for 16 years after he met with an accident after completing his Class 10. At the age of 39, he had revived his stalled studies and cleared the pre-degree equivalent exam, and also completed graduation and Master’s in Malayalam from the Calicut University.

Later, he got admission to the Government Law College here after clearing the entrance examination and started attending the classes. But the Calicut University authorities cancelled Biju’s admission following a directive from the Bar Council of India that he was not eligible as he did not study pre-degree as part of a regular curriculum.

After ‘Manorama’ carried a story on Biju, Kerala Higher Education Minister K T Jaleel held discussions with the University vice-chancellor following which Biju was allowed to continue his law studies. But Biju couldn't attend classes as the Bar Council of India took a stand that it won’t allow him to enrol as an advocate.

Citing a 2014 Mumbai High Court verdict in a similar case that ruled in favour of the student, a petition was filed before the Kerala High Court with the supporting documents such as ‘Manorama’ reports and the university records stating that Biju can continue his law studies.

The High Court subsequently ordered that Biju can attend classes for one month till a final call is taken on the case. Accordingly, he arrived at the Law College the other day.