On May 21, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice BR Gavai emphasized the urgent need for Bar Associations across India to adopt effective models of financial assistance for young lawyers entering the profession.
Speaking at a book release event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), CJI Gavai praised the SCBA's initiative of securing ₹50 crore through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for a Group Mediclaim Health Insurance scheme for Supreme Court lawyers.
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"I hope this becomes a strong model for all bar associations across the country, after all, a strong bar is a foundation of an independent judiciary," said the CJI.
He encouraged other Bar Associations to follow this model and create similar welfare schemes. He urged them to raise dedicated funds to assist young legal professionals who lack financial support.
“I also take this opportunity to call upon bar associations across the country to explore the ways of raising dedicated funds to provide financial support for young lawyers who enter the legal profession without any financial safety net.”
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CJI Gavai highlighted how financial instability discourages many from continuing in litigation. He noted the role of senior advocates and bar associations in not just guiding new lawyers in legal skills but also offering decent financial support.
"The absence of financial support can deter young individuals from continuing in the profession – this is where the role of senior advocate and the Bar association becomes critical – it is both a professional duty and a normal responsibility of seniors to mentor juniors not just in terms of knowledge and skill but also providing them the dignity of fair remuneration."
The CJI reflected on the difficult journey of fresh law graduates, who often struggle with unpredictable work, financial uncertainty, and long hours without job security.
“Financial uncertainty, irregular working hours and the pressure of navigating the profession, without the guarantee of work, are just a few of the hurdles faced by the lawyers.”
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He strongly advocated for proper health coverage, especially for young lawyers. He mentioned that such insurance is more than just financial aid—it acts as a critical support system.
“Providing good health care measures not just a financial help but provides a vital support system.”
“It offers the lawyers a degree of financial certainty and peace of mind in times of medical need.”
Justice Surya Kant also attended the event and praised the SCBA for publishing a book featuring articles by young lawyers, covering landmark judgments from the last 75 years of the Supreme Court.
SCBA President and Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal thanked all contributors who helped raise the funds, including Anil Ambani, Anil Aggarwal, the DMR Group, Gautam Adani, Laxmi Mittal, Mukesh Ambani, and Chandra from Tata Sons.
He explained that the insurance plan includes:
- Coverage for pre-existing diseases from day one
- Maternity cover for up to two children
- Room and ICU rent
- Age-inclusive coverage from 0 to 90 years
- Several other essential medical conditions
This initiative by SCBA sets a precedent for how bar associations can use CSR funds to provide real, meaningful support to those who need it the most—young, struggling lawyers at the start of their careers.
The event can be viewed here.
