[EXCLUSIVE] Unveiling CJI Chandrachud’s First Remuneration as a Lawyer

What was the first salary or remuneration of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud when he first started his career as an advocate? Well, he himself spoke about it during a hearing Yesterday (April 22nd).

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NEW DELHI: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) disclosed his humble beginnings in the legal profession, reminiscing about the time when he charged a mere Rs 60 from his first client. This journey traces back to 1986 when the young Chandrachud, fresh from his studies at Harvard, embarked on his legal career in the bustling Bombay High Court.

Recalling his inaugural case, he found himself before Justice Sujata Manohar, urgently seeking a hearing. It was customary then for lawyers to prefer compensation in gold ‘mohar’, reminiscent of colonial times, rather than Indian rupees. Each gold mohar was valued at about Rs 15, and in a symbolic gesture, Chandrachud marked ‘4 GM’ on the docket, securing his fee of Rs 60.

The practice of accepting fees in gold mohars persisted in the Bombay High Court until a quarter of a century ago, while in the Calcutta High Court, the equivalent value stood at Rs 16.

Fast forward to the present, the question arises: how much does the CJI earn today? Delving into the financial intricacies, it’s revealed that the Chief Justice of India is entitled to a monthly salary of Rs. 2,80,000, supplemented by an annual pension inclusive of Dearness Allowance (DA) amounting to Rs. 16,80,000.

Moreover, a substantial gratuity of Rs. 20,000,000 is awarded, alongside various allowances such as a Furnishing Allowance of Rs. 10,000, House Rent Allowance (HRA) set at 24 percent of the basic pay, and a Sumptuary Allowance of Rs. 45,000. These perks, funded by the Consolidated Funds of India, underscore the esteemed position of the Chief Justice.

The discussion on the CJI’s salary emerged during a hearing on petitions challenging the “exorbitant” fees imposed by state bar bodies. The Supreme Court, weighing in on the matter, capped the enrollment fee for law graduates seeking to become advocates at Rs. 600 nationwide. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justice JB Pardiwala, referenced Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961, affirming Parliament’s sole authority to revise this fee.

“Nothing can be charged in excess of Rs 600… If you want to increase the enrolment fee, then it is for Parliament to increase the enrolment fee,”

-remarked the bench, echoing the principle of legislative jurisdiction.

This ruling, resonating with legal practitioners nationwide, underscores the evolving landscape of legal fees, from the archaic gold mohars to the modern salary structures, while reaffirming the pivotal role of legislative authority in determining such matters.

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