Expeditiously Decide Plea Seeking Timely Implementation Of Stipend Guidelines For Interns, Young Advocates: Delhi High Court To BCI, BCD

The Delhi High Court has directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) and Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) to expeditiously decide a plea seeking timely and effective implementation of the stipend or remuneration guidelines for interns and young advocates associated with a chamber or law firm.

A division bench comprising of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora directed the BCI and BCD to decide the representation moved by lawyer Simran Kumari on January 27, in accordance with law.

Kumari moved a PIL seeking implementation of the stipend guidelines and also prayed for a direction on the BCI and BCD to act upon her representation.

The court observed that the plea was premature as the representation was moved as recent as on January 27, adding that some time must be given to the authorities to decide the same.

“The respondents are directed to decide the representation dated January 27 as expeditiously as possible and in accordance with law,” the bench said while disposing of the plea.

The plea was moved through Advocates Tushar Tanwar and Neel Kumar Sharma.

The plea submitted that due to sense of non-earning capacity after pursuing professional courses like 5 years and 3 years LL.B courses, it creates a doubt in the mind of young lawyers and “paves a way of non-accomplishment.”

Therefore, Kumari sought a direction on BCI and NCD to formulate a manner in which a fair remuneration for interns and young advocates is ensured.

“The absence of fair remuneration not only create hurdles in the life of young law graduates but also contributes to the decision to shift to another safer profession,” the plea said.

Title: SIMRAN KUMARI v. BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA & ANR.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 149