Delhi HC Directs BCI to Decide on Junior Lawyers’ Stipend Within 6 Weeks

The Delhi High Court directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) on Thursday to make a decision within six weeks regarding the payment of a minimum stipend to junior lawyers employed by advocates, senior advocates, and law firms.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela instructed the apex lawyers’ body to expeditiously address a representation made in January concerning this issue.

“The issue needs to be flagged and decided. Please decide within six weeks. The BCI must make a decision on the matter,” the court stated.

The petition was filed by Simran Kumari, who is seeking a stipend for junior lawyers.

“The court directs the BCI to decide the petitioner’s representation as expeditiously as possible, preferably within six weeks, in accordance with the law,” ordered the bench.

The BCI’s counsel noted that the matter was not adversarial and that the representation had been reviewed in a meeting, though further consideration was postponed.

The counsel assured the bench that the representation was still pending and would be addressed.

The high court also instructed the Bar Council of Delhi to provide its input to the BCI on the issue.

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