**Executive Summary**
This document is an answer provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha (No. 1326) to be answered on February 6th, 2026. The question concerns the implementation of a stipend scheme for junior lawyers, particularly in Maharashtra, and references similar schemes in other states and recommendations from the Bar Council of India. No immediate action is required, but the document acknowledges ongoing discussions and considerations of stipends.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Existing Stipend Schemes:**
* States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand have implemented stipend and/or financial assistance measures for junior advocates through State Government schemes, State Bar Council welfare mechanisms, and/or structured programs of Bar Associations.
* **Maharashtra Scheme Considerations:**
* A statewide stipend scheme in Maharashtra would require an implementation framework at the level of the State Bar Council and/or a State Government-supported program, including budgetary backing, eligibility criteria, verification, and audit.
* **Bar Council of India Recommendation:**
* The Bar Council of India acknowledges the income challenges faced by junior advocates and has recommended a minimum monthly stipend benchmark via Circular No.BCI:D:5383/2024 dated 15.10.2024.
* The recommended minimum stipend is Rs. 20,000/- per month for junior advocates in urban areas and Rs. 15,000/- per month for junior advocates in rural areas.
**Impact Analysis**
**Junior Advocates**
* **Impact:** Acknowledges their financial struggles, potential implementation of state and national level stipend programs.
* **Action Required:** None, but should be aware of and monitor the development of potential stipend schemes in their respective states and at the national level.
**State Governments (Specifically Maharashtra)**
* **Impact:** Highlights the need to develop an implementation framework for a potential statewide stipend scheme, including budgetary considerations.
* **Action Required:** If considering implementing a stipend scheme, develop an implementation framework.
**State Bar Councils**
* **Impact:** Potential role in the implementation and administration of state-wide stipend programs.
* **Action Required:** Possibly collaborate with state governments on stipend program creation and oversight.
**Bar Council of India**
* **Impact:** Responsible for promoting minimum stipend levels and advocating for the welfare of early-career junior lawyers.
* **Action Required:** Continue advocating for the adoption of its recommended minimum stipend benchmarks by State Governments and Bar Associations.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Law and Justice: The primary ministry responsible for matters related to law and justice.
Bar Council of India: A statutory body that regulates and represents the legal profession in India; in this case, it has made recommendations regarding stipends for junior lawyers.
Stipend Scheme to Junior Lawyers: A proposed or existing scheme that aims to provide financial support to junior lawyers, particularly those facing economic insecurity.
Maharashtra: The state specifically mentioned as not having implemented a stipend scheme for junior lawyers, raising the question of whether the government will introduce such a scheme there.
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Jharkhand: States that have implemented stipend schemes for junior lawyers, serving as examples.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1326
TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 06th FEBRUARY, 2026
STIPEND SCHEME TO JUNIOR LAWYERS
†1326. Shri Bajrang Manohar Sonwane:
Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
and Jharkhand, have implemented stipend schemes for junior lawyers, whereas no such scheme
has been implemented in Maharashtra so far, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has considered the recommendation of the Bar Council of India
suggesting a monthly stipend of Rs. 20,000/- for junior lawyers in urban areas and Rs. 15,000/-
for junior lawyers in rural areas, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether it is a fact that in the absence of a fixed income, junior lawyers face economic
insecurity, including difficulties related to housing, travel and study materials, if so, the details
thereof; and
(d) whether the Government proposes to implement a stipend scheme for junior lawyers in
Maharashtra, if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW
AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)
(a) to (d): As Informed by the Bar Council of India, states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh and Jharkhand have introduced stipend and/or financial assistance measures for junior
advocates through State Government schemes, State Bar Council welfare mechanisms and/or
structured programmes of Bar Associations. In so far as Maharashtra is concerned, any State-
wide stipend scheme would typically require an implementation framework at the level of the
State Bar Council and/or a State Government supported programme, including budgetary
backing, eligibility criteria, verification and audit.
The Bar Council of India is aware that early-career income challenges are faced by a large
segment of junior advocates. It therefore, vide Circular No.BCI:D:5383/2024 dated 15.10.2024addressed to all State Bar Councils and Bar Associations on the subject "Minimum Stipend for
Junior Advocates associated with assisting Advocates/Senior Advocates/Law Firms" has inter
alia, recommended for a minimum monthly stipend benchmark of Rs.20,000/- per month for
junior advocates in urban areas and Rs.15,000/- per month for junior advocates in rural areas.
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