The judiciary system in India has evolved through various eras to reach where it is today. Law and justice have prevailed in India since the time of Indus Valley civilization. It is also mentioned in Rigveda, Dharma Sarv Pratishtham which literally means Everything is centered in law.

Taking this vision ahead, Indian Law Society’s Law College, more notably known as ILS Law College is one of the prestigious college for studying law in India. Its history dates back to the time when India was still struggling for its independence. In the pre-independence era, legal education in the Deccan part of the British India was concentrated in Bombay (Mumbai) as it was the Presidency Town. Legal studies often received contemptuous treatment by people at large, it carried no social prestige and was the lowest priority of the state.

However, a few great legal visionaries enthused by nationalism saw a dream of independent India as a democratic state founded on the principles of rule of law. Realizing the importance of rule of law in upcoming democratic India, Indian Law Society established Law College, Poona in 1924. It focused on the agenda to impart socially relevant and desired quality legal education on a scientific basis as ‘Justice Education’.

ILS has proved that it has been successful in implementing legal education. It addresses cross-cutting issues like gender discrimination, empowerment of marginalized groups, inclusiveness, etc. by undertaking curricular, co-curricular, extracurricular activities and research.

The Pillars of ILS

ILS Law College has seen many revolutionary leaders to date. The first president of the college was the renowned Hon’ble Justice Sir Narayanrao Chandavarkar. He was a judge in the Bombay High Court at that time.

Prin. Gharpure – the Founder Principal is always referred to as “The Creator” of the institution. He wrote 35 books and articles on various subjects of Hindu law. After his retirement, Prin. G.V. Pandit took over the reins of the Law College as the second Principal. He has inspired many students to pursue law and make a mark all over the world.

Later, Prin. V.S. Ranade was in charge of the Law College from 1971 to 1976. He devoted his life to the cause of survival of the ILS Law College through the ethos of the academic culture. Lastly, the fourth principal of the college, Prin. S.P. Sathe helped the college grow through his able leadership. He gave a new orientation to the legal education and brought in the required quality changes.

After S.P Sathe, there have been many principals who guided ILS Law College to prosper in all the verticals of Law and Justice. The current Principal, Ms. Vaijayanti Joshi is leading the college ahead with dedication and continuous hard work for quality over quantity.

Distinct Courses

Apart from the graduate and post-graduate courses like B.A. LL.B; LL.B; LL.M. and Ph.D. (Law), ILS Law College offers various diploma and certificate courses. All the courses are in accordance with the UGC, Bar Council of India and Savtribai Phule Pune University.

One year Diploma Course affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU):

• Diploma in Labour Laws and Labour Welfare
• Diploma in Taxation and Laws

Indian Law Society’s Diploma and Certificate Programs:

• Towards Conscious Legal Education (TCLE)

Going Beyond the Classroom

As the academic curriculum of legal education in India is mostly theory-based, emphasis on practical or skill orientation is minimized. This leads to a lack of practical skills and application in real practice.

To overcome this challenge, ILS nurtures the culture of conceptualizing such as complementary and supplementary activities. ILS has come up with Centres and Cells to make legal education socially relevant.

ILS strives to go beyond the curriculum and expand the knowledge of its students. It organizes numerous co-curricular activities so that the students get to experience the actual working of the judiciary system. This is achieved with the help of the well-equipped accessible library, up to date administrative, academic and infrastructural setup.

Noteworthy Achievements

ILS Law College has taken its 95 years legacy to new heights. It has been recognized as a premier institute of legal education for more than nine decades. Following this, listed are a few notable awards conferred on ILS Law College:

• The Society of Indian Law Firms and Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy Training has conferred Institutional Excellence Award.
• Work done by ILS in the field of legal aid was recognized by the conferment of the Legal Aid Award 2018 by Knowledge Steez.
• WCRC Leaders Asia has also ranked ILS as Best Private Education Institution.
• It is ranked among the top 10 law schools in various surveys conducted by different journals and magazines and also recognized by the Bar Council of India.

Apart from that, the alumni of ILS Law College are spread all over the world. They have achieved some of the highest positions in the country by becoming the Chief Justices of Supreme Court and High Court, Judicial Magistrates, Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, Advocates on Record, Senior Counsels, Amicus Curiae, members of the commission of Inquiry, academicians, public prosecutors and so on. Its alumni have no doubt made their indelible mark in the legal profession but have also spread out their wings in arts, fine arts and other related vocations.

Future Endeavors

Being one of the oldest institutions in India, ILS Law College has always strived to keep up with changing times. ILS has never been complacent with its infrastructure or academic practices. Furthermore, it plans to bring some major changes in the two broad areas: academics and infrastructure in accordance with the changing times.