Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan on Sunday said courts were not averse to the idea of law students attending courtrooms as part of their academia.

"I can only say that we are not against it (student advocate concept).., the courts have no objection, but only that they should maintain the decorum and serene atmosphere of the courts," he said while reacting to a proposal suggested by National Law Institute University (NLIU) at its first convocation ceremony here.

NLIU Director Balraj Chauhan had sought permission for third-year law students of graduate courses to attend the proceedings in the courtrooms as "student advocates", a system followed in the US.

"The matter should be brought before bar council. They (students) should come to court to have interaction with legal community and see how litigation process works," the CJI said, adding those practicing law should encourage it, discuss with academic community and find a way to implement the idea.

The students advocates should participate in the process of addressing social issues, he said.

He asked law institutes to impart education in such a manner that students "practice law in socio-economic context".

"Lawyers must understand and appreciate the processes and methods of using law as a tool of social engineering."

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200712162222.htm