The administration of the prestigious Government Law College, Mumbai- widely known as (GLC) and renowned for its illustrious alumni- has issued a formal public clarification and cautionary notice to its students, regarding a social media initiative titled “GLC Law and Lore”.

This has been operating on platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. The channel shares content involving legal professionals, students, and alumni, and prominently carries the acronym “GLC” in its branding.

According to the college administration, the use of the term “GLC” by the platform is both unauthorized and misleading.

Government Law College, has categorically stated that it has no affiliation, association, or collaboration with GLC Law and Lore, nor has it endorsed or approved any of the content shared by the platform.

The college issued an official notice , which stated,

• “ It has come to the attention of the administration of Government Law College, Mumbai, that a social media initiative titled "GLC Law and Lore" is currently operating on platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, sharing content involving legal professionals, alumni, and students.

• 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 unauthorized and misleading.’’

The notice went on to state,

• 1. Immediately cease using the term "GLC" in the channel's name, branding, or any related communication; and

• 2. Refrain from suggesting any formal connection with Government Law College, Mumbai.

• This notice is being issued to protect the name, reputation, and integrity of Government Law College, Mumbai. Any continued misuse of the institution's name may compel the college to consider further appropriate action.

• For clarification or official communication, please contact the college administration through our official channels.

The notice has drawn sharp criticism from several members of the legal fraternity, who describe this as regressive and unnecessary.

A former judge of the Bombay High Court also expressed his disappointment, stating that he was both angered and dismayed by the administration’s decision to issue such a directive to its students.

His letter which was both hand delivered and emailed to the Principal, Dr Asmita A Vaidya carried a tone laced with sarcasm. In it the former judge remarked, “Did I just dare say ‘GLC’ without your permission? Yes, I did. Because, madam, know this: GLC was ours, long, long before you. And it will survive you as it has survived others. Please do GLC, its students, its alumni and yourself a favour and withdraw your notice immediately. Do not make the mistake of compelling alumni to rethink ongoing associations with the GLC’’.

LawfulTalks reached out to current students and alumni of the Government Law College, to gather their reactions to the principal’s notice. The general sentiment among students and alumni was one of anger. However, many alumni specifically opposed the college’s decision to issue a public notice against the former student who founded the podcast.

“ We view this as an excessive and disproportionate response’’. What is the need for a requirement of permission and collaboration with the college?’

“GLC” is a name that cannot be exclusively restricted to the institution, as it holds a public identity. The content shared by the alumni was not objectionable,’’they reiterated flagging concerns about the issue.

Remarked a visibly exasperated third year student, “We strongly oppose the public notice issued by the Principal against the alumnus who started the podcast. GLC is not a name that can be monopolized by the authority; it belongs to the entire community of students and alumni who have contributed to its legacy. The podcast did not contain anything objectionable or defamatory, and targeting the respective alumni for simply sharing experiences or perspectives tied to their identity as a GLC graduate is unjustified. Such a response feels not only disproportionate but also silencing. Instead of fostering dialogue, it discourages open expression and alumni engagement. We believe the notice goes against the very spirit of the institution we are proud to be part of”.

As of now, the issue remains unresolved, with protests and dissent continuing within the college campus.

Tap here to read the notice