The recent State Cabinet decision to set up a law university in Hubli by issuing an ordinance has baffled legal and political community. The government is going ahead without even debating the matter in legislature. Last week, Cabinet decided to issue an ordinance to set up the varsity.

The government had every opportunity to table Karnataka Kanoonu Vishvavidyalaya Bill in the budget/ monsoon session (it can do so by bringing the Bill in winter session, proposed to be held in Belgaum next month).
The establishment of the law university in Hubli follows a report submitted by Special Officer Dr J S Patil.
The original decision to set up the university was taken by Congress-JD(S) government led by Dharam Singh. Then Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister H K Patil played a major role in conceiving the idea and giving shape to it.

However, Mr Patil did not maintain transparency in selecting the venue, and chose a place of his choice.
Though a special officer was appointed to submit a report on setting up the university, terms of reference of the officer conspicuously omitted the crucial matter of suggesting a venue, thereby sidelining legitimate claims from other regions, particularly Gulbarga.