Institute of Legal and Management Studies

The Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai, today (May 21) urged Bar Associations across the country to consider possible ways of providing financial assistance to young lawyers entering the profession.

While speaking at a book release event by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the CJI lauded the efforts of the SCBA in raising 50 crores for Group Mediclaim Health Insurance for Supreme Court lawyers through CSR funds.

The CJI further expressed that such an initiative should become a model for all other Bar Associations to follow. He said :

"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"

He then stressed the need for Bar Associations to explore such creative ways to support younger lawyers with no financial backing who enter the profession.

"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."

He explained that a lack of financial stability in litigation often discourages lawyers from continuing in the profession, and this is where Bar Associations and Senior Advocates should step in to provide not just insights on advocacy skills but also dignified remuneration.

"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 renumeration."

CJI mentioned that when young law graduates enter the profession and begin their journey as a lawyer, they often encounter numerous challenges, from securing justice to establishing a stable practice- the path is anything but easy.

"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," he added further.

Having well-covered health insurance would be a significant support to such young lawyers and give them a sense of security in troubling times. The CJI expressed :

"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."

CJI and Justice Surya Kant, who was also present at the event lauded the efforts of SCBA in compiling a book which contains articles written by young lawyers. The book celebrates landmark judgments given in the last 75 years of the Supreme Court.

SCBA President and Senior Advocate, Kapil Sibal expressed gratitude towards various contributors for donating funds, including Anil Ambani, Anil Aggarwal, the DMR group, Gautam Adani, Laxmi Mittal, Mukesh Ambani, Chandra from Tata Sons etc.

He also mentioned that the following are getting covered under the insurance scheme : (1) pre-existing diseases from day 1; (2) maternity cover for first two children; (3)room rent ; (4) ICU rent; (5) sum insured for family members age limit- 0-90 years and several other diseases/medical situations which are covered under the scheme.

The event can be viewed here.