Alumni-led podcast under scrutiny by principal, chastised by Justice Gautam Patel for claiming ownership of GLC
The Government Law College (GLC), Mumbai has found itself at the centre of a controversy after issuing a public notice warning students behind the podcast "GLC Law and Lore" of potential legal action for unauthorised use of the college's name in the podcast title.
The principal's notice stated that the use of "GLC" in the podcast name is unauthorised, misleading, and not endorsed or affiliated with the institution. It warned that continued misuse of the college name "may compel the college to consider further appropriate action."
The podcast, created by four recent graduates of GLC—Anjali Singit, Dhun Vinod Santosh, Jinay Jain, and Pakhi More—aims to provide young professionals with no legal background insights into the industry. The 'GLC Law and Lore team' clarified that neither they nor their guests have said anything that could harm the college's reputation.
The legal stand led to significant backlash from alumni and prominent legal professionals, including former Bombay High Court judge and GLC alumnus, Justice Gautam Patel. Justice Patel criticized the principal's move, urging the administration to withdraw the notice and describing it as 'contemptible and disgraceful.'
In a scathing letter to Principal Dr Asmita A Vaidya, Justice Patel stated that the college's name, GLC, is not a trade mark or service mark, but the name of an institution. He argued that the use of the name by students conveys a sense of belonging and should be encouraged rather than threatened with legal action.
Justice Patel questioned the importance of who produces the material so long as it is good. He offered pro bono legal assistance to the students if needed and expressed that he and many other lawyers who are GLC graduates will offer their services to the students if the administration continues to threaten them with legal action.
Justice Patel described the students' efforts as respectful and vouched for them, stating that they are proud of being in GLC and that this is their way of giving back to the institution. He further emphasized that the podcast features conversations with legal professionals, many of whom are GLC graduates.
The controversy highlights tension between institutional control over branding and alumni/student-led independent initiatives. The 'GLC Law and Lore team' stated that they have self-funded the entire podcast, from curating questions and inviting guests to editing. They reiterated that their podcast was meant to provide young professionals with no legal background insights into the industry, not to mislead the audience about the podcast's official endorsement.
[1] GLC Mumbai issues notice against 'GLC Law and Lore' podcast. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.barandbench.com/news/glc-mumbai-issues-notice-against-glc-law-and-lore-podcast
[2] GLC alumnus Justice Gautam Patel slams college for threatening legal action against 'GLC Law and Lore' podcast. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.livemint.com/news/india/glc-alumnus-justice-gautam-patel-slams-college-for-threatening-legal-action-against-glc-law-and-lore-podcast-11663931955127.html
[3] GLC alumnus Justice Gautam Patel writes to Principal Dr Asmita A Vaidya, urges withdrawal of notice against 'GLC Law and Lore' podcast. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.barandbench.com/news/glc-alumnus-justice-gautam-patel-writes-to-principal-dr-asmita-a-vaidya-urges-withdrawal-of-notice-against-glc-law-and-lore-podcast
[4] Gautam Patel, Justice (Retd.), writes to GLC Principal, urges withdrawal of notice against 'GLC Law and Lore' podcast. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.barandbench.com/news/gautam-patel-justice-retd-writes-to-glc-principal-urges-withdrawal-of-notice-against-glc-law-and-lore-podcast
- The podcast, 'GLC Law and Lore', aims to promote personal growth and learning by offering insights into the legal industry for young professionals with no legal background, demonstrating a commitment to education and self-development.
- The controversy surrounding the 'GLC Law and Lore' podcast has sparked a discussion on the balance between institutional branding and alumni/student-led independent initiatives, with Glen Patel, a former Bombay High Court judge and GLC alumnus, advocating for a more supportive approach towards such endeavors.
