The Bar Council of India (BCI) Today (Oct 15) issued new guidelines recommending a minimum stipend for junior advocates assisting senior advocates, law firms and independent practitioners. It also noted that senior advocates and firms in smaller towns or less lucrative fields may not have the financial resources to provide substantial stipends. Therefore, while the guidelines are encouraged, they are not enforced as mandatory across the profession.
In September, the Supreme Court granted bail to former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Tamil Nadu’s ex-Transport Minister V. Senthil Balaji, citing prolonged imprisonment and Article 21 rights violations. The Court also continued hearings on the K.G. Kar Medical College rape and murder case, addressing doctor protests, women lawyers’ safety, and gender equity in work conditions. It ruled that mere possession of child pornography is punishable under POCSO, accepted an apology from a Karnataka HC judge for inappropriate remarks, and heard arguments about bulldozer demolitions and Fundamental Duties. Lastly, the Court celebrated its 75th anniversary with reflections on book bans, gender in the judiciary, and bench allocation practices.