Established in 1964, Jorhat Law College (JLC) holds the distinction of being the first law institute in the Upper Assam Division and the second oldest in Northeast India. Over six decades, it has evolved from a nascent educational trust into a premier legal institution known for shaping the judicial landscape of the region.
1. Foundations and Vision (1964)
The college was born from the collective vision of prominent citizens of Jorhat who recognised the need for localised legal education.
- Establishment: Founded on October 1, 1964, by the Nalini Nath Phukan Memorial and Educational Trust.
- The Architect: Late Nalini Nath Phukan, a renowned lawyer and philanthropist, is considered the “real architect” of the college. He served as the founder, Principal and Secretary.
- First Governance: The inaugural Governing Body was chaired by Murulidhar Barooah, with Tarun Chandra Gogoi and Abani Prasad Bhattachajee serving as Joint Secretaries.
- Initial Faculty: The founding teaching staff included Late Nalini Nath Phukan, Late Rameswar Bora, Late Mohesh Chandra Baruah, Late Manik Chandra Khound, and Shri Tarun Chandra Gogoi (who later served as the Chief Minister of Assam for 15 years).
2. Early Infrastructure and Growth
- Temporary Start: Classes initially commenced at Gitarthi High School in 1964.
- Permanent Campus (1967): Through the concerted efforts of the founding members, the government allotted 5 bighas of prime land in the heart of Jorhat city. The college shifted to its own permanent campus on M.G. Road in 1967.
3. Institutional Affiliation & Recognition
The college has navigated major shifts in the regional academic structure:
- University Affiliation: Originally affiliated with Gauhati University, the college was later brought under the jurisdiction of Dibrugarh University following its establishment.
- Accreditations: The institution is approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and has been accredited by the NAAC (Grade B).
4. Academic Evolution and Programs
What began as a simple LLB course has expanded into a comprehensive legal curriculum:
- Programs Offered: The college currently provides 3-year LLB, 5-year integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons), and LLM programs.
- Distance Education: It also hosts an IGNOU study centre offering various certificate and diploma courses in legal disciplines.
- Modern Facilities: The campus now features a specialised Moot Court Hall, a Legal Aid Clinic, and a Legal Archive Centre (inaugurated October 1, 2023).
5. Leadership and Administration (2024–2025)
Today, the college continues its legacy under distinguished leadership:
- Governing Body: It is currently governed by a board chaired by Justice S.N. Phukan, a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
- Executive Leadership: The institution is led by Principal Dr Ajoy Kumar Das and Vice Principal Ms Monmirekha Bora.
- Capacity: The institution maintains an effective learning environment for over 500 students with a dedicated faculty of legal and social science experts.