In fact, it was Shri G. H. Kelkar who mooted the idea of starting a Law College at Belgaum. He was one of the prominent founder members of the Society. It was he who proposed to the other members of the Society to approach Rajasaheb Sirdesai of Vantmuri for donations to the proposed Law College. After the application for affiliation of Law College was made to Bombay University, the University put a condition of depositing Rs. One lakh. The problem of collection of huge funds arose. Shri Kelkar who happened to be a close friend of late Basavaprabhu Sirdesai of Vantmuri son of late Rajasaheb proposed to Mr. Datar to meet Rajasaheb through the late Basavaprabhu for munificent donations. Mr. Kelkar approached Rajasaheb through Basavaprabhu with late Shri B.N. Datar and succeeded in obtaining Rs. One Lakh in the form of Government Promissory Note. This gave an impetus to proceed further with starting of the college, and then the question arose as to who should become the Principal leaving lucrative practice. Late G. H. Kelkar offered his services sacrificing his top practice.
Late Shri Kelkar was one of the topmost Professors of the Law College. He worked as a full-time Professor. On account of his eloquence and mode of teaching, students from all over Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Madras were attracted and sought admission to this college.
Shri V. R. Bhat – 01-11-1947 to 30-06-1962
Shri V. R. Bhat was first appointed as a Lecturer in R. L. Law College, Belgaum in the year 1942. On account of his rich experience and legal acumen, he was promoted as Principal of the College in November, 1947. He continued as Principal upto June, 1962. As he was appointed as the Principal of University Law College, Dharwad, he left the Institution for better prospects. He was considered to be one of the top most teachers of our college. Не has written a standard book on Criminal Law, which has become a reference book for the teachers as well as students.
Shri R. G. Deole – 01-07-1962 – 30-06-1968
Shri R. G. Deole born on 1st June, 1904 at Ramdurg Town in Belgaum District, practised at Gadag Bar. He was doing very well there. He joined R. L. Law College, Belgaum on 1st of Oct., 1947. Thereafter, on the appreciation of his best services, the Management appointed him as the Principal of R.L. Law College in the year 1962 and continued upto June, 1968. He was very sincere and honest.
Shri M. A. Kulkarni – 01-07-1968 to 30-06-1971
Shri M. A. Kulkarni born on 17th August, 1911, passed his Arts and Law Examinations in Kolhapur and joined the Bar there. During his stay at Kolhapur he had also worked as a lecturer in Shahaji Law College. He was directly taken of as the Principal of R. L. Law College in July, 1968 and remained in the post till June, 1971.
Shri V. N. Joshi 01-07-1971 to 31-08-2000
Shri V. N. Joshi was born at Honavar in 1942, completed his education in LL. B. and LL.M. at Dharwad. He was taken on the teaching staff of R. L. Law College in the year 1969, at his age of 27. He is the youngest person to be promoted as Principal of the college in the year 1971.
He is a member of Senate, Syndicate and Academic Council of Karnatak University, Dharwad
Shri K. S. Kerlikar – 01-09-2000 to 30-09-2001
Shri D. Y. Kulkami – 01-10-2001 to 03-01-2008
Shri G. M. Wagh 01-02-2008 to 30-06-2010 & 24-07-2013 to 04-04-2016
Shri D. Prasannakumar – 01-07-2010 to 18-02-2011
Dr. D. Prasannakumar Assistant Professor did his PGD in IRPM, Post-Graduation in Law & completed his Doctoral Work on Mega Projects Law
Shri G. M. Wagh 24-07-2013 to 04-04-2016
Dr. Smt. Sandhya H. V. – 05-04-2016 to 31-08-2019
Dr. A. H. Hawaldar 31-08-2019 (present)
Dr. A. H. Hawladar did his Ph.D. 2016 & LL.M., in Labour Law from Karnatak University, Dharwad in 1998. Specilised in Labour Laws.
