CJI Sanjiv Khanna Backs Bar Council’s Proposal for Minimum Stipend to Junior Lawyers, Stresses Need for Financial Inclusivity in Legal Profession

Keywords ; CJI Sanjiv Khanna, Bar Council of India, minimum stipend, junior lawyers, litigation, financial insecurity, legal profession inclusivity, alternative dispute resolution,

CJI Sanjiv Khanna Advocates for Minimum Stipend for Junior Lawyers, Calls for Greater Inclusivity in Litigation

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has underscored the urgency of implementing the Bar Council of India’s (BCI) proposal for introducing a minimum stipend for junior lawyers. During a felicitation event organized by the BCI following his elevation to the top judicial post, the CJI highlighted the financial struggles faced by young lawyers, particularly those without familial connections to the legal profession.

Challenges for Junior Lawyers

CJI Khanna observed that many first-generation lawyers are unable to sustain themselves during their formative years in litigation due to the absence of financial security. This often compels them to leave the profession entirely or pivot towards more lucrative roles in corporate law and managerial positions. He remarked, “Bright legal minds are moving away from litigation not out of choice but due to financial insecurity. This threatens the future of public interest representation.”

The CJI emphasized that the proposed stipend would provide critical financial stability, enabling junior advocates to pursue litigation and gain valuable courtroom experience. He also stressed that such measures would promote inclusivity within the legal profession by encouraging greater participation from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Strengthening the Bar and Judiciary

The CJI highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the Bar and the Bench, asserting that a well-prepared Bar directly contributes to a strong judiciary. By supporting young lawyers, he argued, the legal profession could cultivate a richer talent pool for both litigation and public interest representation.

Additionally, he praised the growing adoption of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms like mediation, which he called essential for reducing case backlogs and ensuring broader access to justice. He encouraged lawyers to embrace their dual roles as advocates and negotiators to enhance the efficiency of the justice delivery system.

Accountability and Judicial Efficiency

CJI Khanna also addressed structural issues within the judiciary, including delays, adjournments, and case backlogs. He stressed the need for accountability in the legal system, clarifying that such measures should be viewed as efforts to improve justice delivery rather than confrontations.

Conclusion

CJI Sanjiv Khanna’s advocacy for a minimum stipend for junior lawyers reflects his commitment to addressing the structural challenges faced by the legal profession. His call for inclusivity, financial stability, and greater collaboration between the Bar and Bench underscores the need for reforms that support young legal professionals while strengthening the justice system as a whole.

The proposal for a minimum stipend represents a critical step towards fostering a more equitable and sustainable legal profession, ensuring that talent, not financial barriers, determines the future of litigation in India.

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