'I would love to see more active, creative and healthy political culture in campuses, and Law Colleges should be there to lead the student politics'

Dr. Mathew Kuzhalnadan

Dr. Mathew Kuzhalnadan is a National General Secretary of Indian Youth Congress. He is an alumnus of Government Law College Thiruvananthapuram, University of Kerala. He is also a Ph.D in Law from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
He is one of the founding partners of Law firm KMNP Law, New Delhi. They also have an associate office in Cochin, Kerala.
Given below is the transcript of his interview with Nebil Nizar. 

1- You entered Politics through campus politics, and subsequently rose to National Politics. Now years later, what is your take on student politics in campus?

Dr. Mathew: You are right that I started my political career from campus. Over the years, there is a drastic change in the approach and attitude of students and society towards campus politics. There are many reasons for it which I don’t want to detail here but the recent trend of ‘a-politicization’ of campus is not at all desirable, nor progressive. Law Colleges have remained the cradle of student politics in the country. I would love to see more active, creative and healthy political culture in campuses and Law Colleges should be there to lead the student politics.

2- The cream of law graduates always go for Government jobs (Executive) or other Corporate jobs. A few sticks on to litigation practice. What all can be done to make litigation practice more attractive?

Dr. Mathew: This is one of the grave issues that the legal fraternity of this country is going to face in the near future. There is a huge dearth of quality lawyers and judicial officers. This is gradually reflecting in the entire legal system as well. Many critics identify this as the deterioration of legal system. However, the entire legal fraternity has failed in guiding the new generation in the right direction. I would suggest internships for court practice for not less than 6 months part of the curriculum itself. There shall also be endeavours to ensure that students are paid minimum stipends during the period. This will give an exposure to litigation practice and will also inspire and motivate students to join Bar.

3- There is a demand for 'financial aid' for fresh law graduates. Dont you think this would attract a pool of young blood into 'Bar'?

Dr. Mathew: Financial aid itself will not be a panacea. It requires systematic efforts to attract a pool of young blood into the Bar.

4- We are proud of the fact that you were able to establish yourself as a successful lawyer at the apex court. From the angle of a law graduate from Kerala, Supreme Court practice is a distant star.  Is SC practice really a difficult task?

Dr. Mathew: Not at all. Anyone who is focused and consistent in his efforts can establish himself.  Patience in career and a thorough understanding of the pattern of practice will be helpful.



5- Law students and young law graduates file Public Interest Litigations on some issues, which prima facie do not have any 'public interest', and generally courts do not entertain those. Do you think majority of PILs are now filed for publicity sake?

Dr. Mathew: PILs are considered as a jurisprudential breakthrough in our legal system. They are often grossly misused for private interests, but still they are relevant and play a vital role in awakening the conscience of the society.



6- Recent surveys amongst law students all over India gave result that they are not at all happy with the standard of their tutors. As an academic, how do you react to this?

Dr. Mathew: There is a grave depletion of quality in legal education. It is imperative to address this by improving the quality of legal academia.

7- National Law Schools were started with an aim to impart Harvard style education in India. Recently former NLSIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohan Gopal opinioned that NLS must be disbanded. Do you think National Law Schools are losing standard year after year?

Dr. Mathew: It is sad that our National Law Schools are not able to deliver the quality of standards expected.

8- How can Government Law Colleges rise up to the expected standard and become centers of dialogue and research in important legal, policy matters?

Dr. Mathew: It needs concerted efforts and political will to improve the academic culture of Law Colleges.



9- Is Kerala a fertile land for research oriented study?

Dr. Mathew: I don’t think the enthusiasm of a researcher should be based on external circumstances. However, we need to have more quality resources and infrastructure.

10- How far post-graduation and doctoral studies at JNU different from other law colleges in the country?

Dr. Mathew: JNU has a distinct academic, political and social culture which influences the teaching and research. The standards are very high which requires everyone to deliver their best.

11- Did your strong academic background helped you to climb ladders in the party and establish yourself as a national level think tank?

Dr. Mathew: I don’t think academic background alone has helped me. But it has definitely influenced my perspectives on various issues and in articulating it within the organization.



12- What is advice to students and young law graduates intending to do legal research?

Dr. Mathew: I suggest genuine research aptitude, identifying areas of interest, having strong academic foundation and wide reading as pre-requisites.

13- What is your advice to Law Students?

Dr. Mathew: Have confidence and be aware of your social responsibilities. There is no dearth of opportunities and know that sky is the limit..


myidnebil@gmail.com