Jahanvi Agarwal
The Punjab & Haryana High Court on 23rd January 2024 issued a notice to the Bar Council of India (BCI) and the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana following a petition advocating for a minimum stipend or remuneration for young and junior lawyers.
The plea, filed by advocates Vivek Tiwari and Abhishek Malhotra, urges the formulation of guidelines regarding stipends for young lawyers, the establishment of a robust complaint redressal system, public awareness campaigns, and periodic reporting to the Court.
In response to the petition, the Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Nidhi Gupta highlighted a recent scheme initiated by the Kerala government. This scheme allows lawyers under 30 years old, with less than 3 years of practice and an annual income below Rs. 1 lakh, to receive Rs. 3,000 per month as a stipend or remuneration. The Court requested the petitioners to provide details of this scheme.
The plea underscores the hindrance caused by the absence of a proper compensation system, particularly affecting individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds entering the legal profession. This, the petition argues, has a detrimental impact on diversity and inclusivity in the legal field.
The petition proposes standardized stipend and remuneration guidelines, suggesting a minimum stipend of Rs.15,000 for young advocates and Rs.5,000 for law interns. Drawing inspiration from global best practices, the plea emphasizes the need for the BCI to frame and implement guidelines that ensure fair compensation, addressing the deterrent effect on potential advocates pursuing legal education and reducing attrition rates among young lawyers.
Case Name: Vivek Tiwari & Anr. v. BCI & Anr.
Diary Number: 15/2024
Bench: Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Nidhi Gupta.