The Madhya Pradesh High Court at Jabalpur has directed the Madhya Pradesh State Bar Council, in consultation with the High Court Bar Associations, to frame guidelines prescribing a minimum stipend for junior advocates working with senior lawyers.
The direction came during the hearing of W.P. No. 7749 of 2005, when junior counsel appearing for the petitioner informed the Court that she was not receiving any stipend.
The Court noted that the Bar Council of India, through its circular dated October 15, 2024, had directed State Bar Councils to ensure that junior advocates receive a minimum stipend for at least three years from the date of their engagement.
The circular recommended a stipend of ₹20,000 per month in urban areas and ₹15,000 per month in rural areas. However, the High Court observed that the circular was recommendatory in nature.
The Court said,
"Therefore, Madhya Pradesh State Bar Council in consultation with M.P. High Court Bar Association and M.P. High Court Advocates' Bar Association should lay down a guideline for minimum stipend to be paid to junior advocates for a period of three years in urban and rural areas."
Justice Vishal Dhagat directed the Madhya Pradesh State Bar Council to take a decision within six months for issuing the proposed guidelines through the Bar Associations.
The Court also directed an enquiry into why five advocates named in the order were not paying stipend to Ms. Ayushi Mishra, Advocate, who was appearing as junior counsel in the matter. It further directed the concerned Bar bodies to ensure that junior advocates receive stipends for assisting senior counsel, particularly during the initial stage of practice.
The High Court directed that a copy of the order be supplied to the Madhya Pradesh State Bar Council and both concerned High Court Bar Associations for necessary compliance. Since the arguing counsel was unavailable, the case was adjourned and directed to be listed for final hearing.
