When Government Law College, Mumbai, issued a public notice warning four recent graduates against using the college’s name in their podcast, they probably didn’t expect a thunderclap response from one of the city’s most respected legal voices. But Justice Gautam Patel—GLC alumnus and former Bombay High Court judge—wasn’t about to sit back quietly.
The notice in question, signed by Principal Dr. Asmita Vaidya, targeted the podcast GLC Law and Lore, a platform created by Anjali Singit, Dhun Vinod Santosh, Jinay Jain, and Pakhi More. Their aim? Simple: preserve and share conversations with legal professionals, many of them GLC alumni, to guide the next generation.
The college’s stance? The use of “GLC” in the podcast’s name was “unauthorised” and “misleading.” The administration claimed zero affiliation, endorsement, or collaboration—and issued a subtle legal threat: drop the name or face “appropriate action.”
But Justice Patel wasn’t having it.
In a sharply-worded letter to the Principal, Patel dismantled the notice with precision and passion. He described the podcast as a heartfelt tribute to the institution, run by students proud of their roots. “This is their way of giving back,” he wrote. “What does it matter who produces the material so long as it is good?”
Then came the jab: “Your only objection seems to be to the use of the abbreviation ‘GLC’ without your prior benediction. GLC is not a trade mark. It is the name of an institution. When we use it, it’s to convey belonging—not to claim ownership. I for one refuse to say that I studied law at An Institution That May Not Be Named For Want Of The Principal’s Permission.”
Justice Patel didn’t just defend the students—he went further, offering legal support. “Should you threaten these students with a lawsuit, know that I—and many others—will offer our services. Free.”
He wasn’t done. With signature wit and fury, he closed with a line destined to echo through campus corridors: “Did I just dare say ‘GLC’ without your permission? Yes, I did. Because, madam, know this: GLC was ours, long, long before you. And it will survive you as it has survived others.”
Meanwhile, the GLC Law and Lore team remained composed. They clarified that the podcast is a labour of love—handled entirely by the four alumni, without any institutional support, and with one clear goal: to demystify the legal world for those without access. “If anything, our effort has been to celebrate the college,” they said. “We never asked for permission. We never thought we’d need it.”
But in a strange twist of irony, the notice meant to silence has only amplified their voice.
