The Supreme Court has upheld Mumbai University’s decision to halve sanctioned intake at around 45 affiliated law colleges for 2026-27, citing faculty shortages and academic deficiencies. The Bombay High Court had earlier dismissed a PIL challenging the move. Affected colleges can retain seats if they meet staffing requirements within the prescribed deadline.

Mumbai: The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the Bombay High Court's dismissal of a PIL challenging Mumbai University's decision to halve the sanctioned intake at several affiliated law colleges, putting the spotlight on faculty shortages and academic standards in legal education.

The university had decided to reduce intake by 50% in three-year and five-year LLB programmes at around 45 affiliated colleges for the 2026-27 academic year after identifying deficiencies, including inadequate faculty.

The Lawyers' Foundation challenged the decision, arguing that reducing seats would adversely affect law aspirants. In July, the Bombay High Court dismissed the PIL and imposed costs of Rs 1 lakh on the petitioner. The Supreme Court has now upheld the dismissal by refusing to intervene.

The decision comes during an admission season in which law colleges have faced issues related to faculty requirements, affiliation and Bar Council of India approvals.