The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to decide within six weeks on a representation regarding the payment of a minimum stipend to all junior lawyers employed by advocates and senior advocates [Simran Kumari v Bar Council of India & Anr].
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the BCI must make a decision within six weeks.
“This can’t be kept pending. It needs to be decided. BCI must take a decision in the matter. Please decide it in six weeks,” the Court remarked.
The Court also noted that the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) could provide its inputs to the BCI within two weeks.
These directions were issued while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Simran Kumari. The petition sought directives for the BCI and BCD to issue guidelines and instructions to all senior advocates and advocates to pay a minimum stipend to junior advocates they employ.
The Court was informed that a representation had been made to the BCI and BCD on January 27, 2024, but the issue remained unresolved.
Advocate Preet Pal Singh, representing the BCI, stated that the matter was discussed at the last council meeting and would be considered again at the next meeting, which is expected to take place in a few weeks.
The Division Bench acknowledged these submissions and ordered that the petitioner’s representation be resolved “as expeditiously as possible and preferably within six weeks in accordance with law.”
