The Delhi High Court has instructed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to address a representation within six weeks concerning the implementation of a minimum stipend for all junior lawyers working under advocates and senior advocates.

A Division Bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, emphasized the urgency of the matter, directing the Bar Council of India (BCI) to make a decision within six weeks regarding the implementation of a minimum stipend for junior lawyers employed by advocates and senior advocates.

The Court also stated that the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) should provide its input to the Bar Council of India (BCI) within two weeks. These directions were issued while addressing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Simran Kumari.

The PIL seeks instructions for the BCI and BCD to establish guidelines mandating the payment of a minimum stipend to junior advocates employed by senior advocates and other advocates. The Court noted that although a representation had been made to the BCI and BCD on January 27, 2024, no decision had been reached yet.

Advocate Preet Pal Singh, representing the BCI, informed the Court that the issue had been discussed at the council's last meeting and would be revisited at the upcoming meeting. Singh indicated that the next council meeting is expected to occur in a few weeks.

The Division Bench reviewed the submissions and instructed that the petitioner's representation be resolved "as expeditiously as possible and preferably within six weeks, in accordance with the law."