Recently, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued a circular addressing the concerns of junior advocates regarding unpaid stipends and other engagement-related grievances.
The guidelines encourage junior advocates facing such issues to file complaints with their respective State Bar Councils, which will work in coordination with the BCI to resolve them. These steps come in response to an order by the Delhi High Court in W.P.(c) No. 10159/2024.
The circular outlines that while grievances related to financial support will be handled with due consideration, flexibility will be applied in cases where senior advocates face genuine financial constraints. The BCI intends to create a balanced approach that recognizes the financial realities within the legal profession.
Additionally, the BCI has announced the formation of a committee to monitor the implementation of these guidelines. The committee will periodically review the effectiveness of the policies and adjust stipend amounts based on feedback from the legal community and prevailing economic conditions.
The Bar Council urges senior advocates and law firms to support the financial and professional development of junior advocates, emphasising that mentorship and training are equally important for their growth. The guidelines aim to promote fairness and professional advancement within the legal community. Secretaries of State Bar Councils have been instructed to ensure the wide dissemination of this circular among legal professionals.