Clinical Legal Education in India

By VMLS

June 20, 2025

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Clinical Legal Education (CLE) in India has emerged as a significant component of the legal education system. One of the major objectives of CLE is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. In this blog, I will discuss the importance of CLE from the perspective of Administrative Law. Administrative law deals with the functioning of administrative bodies and the exercise of public powers. In other words, it tells us about how public authorities operate, how they make decisions, and how the public can hold them accountable. Naturally, administrative law requires a thorough understanding of procedural fairness, regulatory frameworks, and rights protection. Clinical legal education equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate this complex field effectively without losing a sense of ground realities.

Traditional legal education often focuses on theoretical aspects, leaving students with limited exposure to real-world scenarios. Clinical legal education on other hand offers a hands-on approach where students engage in activities such as mock trials, legal research, drafting legal documents etc. It enables students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and advocacy skills that are essential for proficiently overseeing administrative law cases.

Understanding Regulatory Frameworks

Administrative Law encompasses a wide range of regulatory frameworks that govern various sectors, including health, education, environment, and labour. Clinical legal education would involve collaborating with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and non-governmental organizations to provide students with exposure to these regulatory frameworks. By working on real-life cases and projects, students gain insights into the intricacies of administrative regulations, compliance requirements, and the role of regulatory agencies in enforcing laws and policies. This practical knowledge is invaluable for future legal professionals who may work in regulatory compliance, policy advocacy, or administrative litigation.

Procedural Fairness and Natural Justice

Administrative Law is deeply rooted in the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice. It is quite common for public officials to abuse their discretionary powers and violate procedural laws. Clinical legal programs provide students with opportunities to observe and engage with real world issues. By witnessing firsthand how administrative bodies operate and how decisions are made, students gain a profound understanding of the importance of procedural fairness in ensuring just outcomes. They learn to appreciate the significance of providing individuals with a fair hearing, the right to present evidence, and the right to appeal decisions, which are fundamental tenets of Administrative Law.

For example, a 2-judge of the Supreme Court in Deepak Anand Patil v State of Maharashtra reiterated a long-standing principle of administrative law that 'an adjudicatory body cannot base its decision on any material unless the person against whom it is sought to be utilized has been apprised of it and given an opportunity to respond to it'. In other words, if an administrative body takes a decision against you based on evidence without disclosing the content of the said evidence, it is a violation of principles of natural justice. While administrative law is generally applicable to public authorities such as governments, persons in civil services, it may be applied to private organizations/institutions in certain cases, for example if they are engaged in public function.

For example, in Sampath Karthikeya Busa v University Grants Commission, the Supreme Court allowed students from a private institution to challenge their suspension from the institution. The Court noted that - 'Students who are suspended by a private educational institution from attending classes and who challenge such suspension under Article 226 stand on a different footing than that of private individuals involved in private disputes like breaches of contract or commission of offences. Students and their right to education is central to any educational institution. Any action affecting their right to education involves a public law element"

Promoting Access to Justice

Access to justice is another key element of legal education. Access to justice broadly means that the people are aware of their rights and the mechanisms for enforcement of such rights. In India, there is an unspoken but not unknown structural hierarchy that puts bureaucrats/administrative bodies above the public. This is another reason for the rampant corruption in every sector and at every level. Clinical legal programmes often involve legal aid clinics that provide free legal services to marginalized and underserved communities. At Vinayaka Mission's Law School, we take our commitment to the general public seriously and regularly conduct legal aid programmes in the nearby places of Chennai. By participating in such clinics, law students contribute to promoting access to justice for those who may not have the means to afford legal representation. These experiences instil a sense of social responsibility and expose students to the practical challenges faced by vulnerable populations when dealing with administrative authorities.

Conclusion

Clinical legal education has a pivotal role in shaping the future of legal professionals in India, particularly within the field of Administrative Law. By enhancing practical skills, fostering ethical values, promoting access to justice, and providing exposure to regulatory frameworks, CLE equips students with the tools they need to excel in administrative legal practice. It is through these experiential learning opportunities that law students can truly grasp the complexities of Administrative Law and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of justice and equity in society.

Clinical Legal Education in India

Understanding Regulatory Frameworks

Procedural Fairness and Natural Justice

Promoting Access to Justice

Conclusion

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