Supreme Court of India proposed the creation of a Young Lawyers’ Professional Assistance Fund

Supreme Court of India proposed the creation of a Young Lawyers’ Professional Assistance Fund

¨     Supreme Court of India proposed the creation of a Young Lawyers’ Professional Assistance Fund.

¨     The proposal aims to provide financial support to advocates facing hardship during their initial years of legal practice.

¨     The bench comprised Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana.

¨     The Court issued notices to the Central Government, State Governments, Union Territories, and other stakeholders regarding the matter.

¨     The proposed fund is primarily intended for first-generation lawyers and advocates from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

¨     The Court suggested that the fund be managed either by the jurisdictional High Courts or by an autonomous body constituted by the Union Government in consultation with State Governments.

¨     The fund may provide a monthly stipend-cum-honorarium to young advocates during the formative years of their practice.

¨     Financial assistance is proposed for the first three years of practice to meet basic living expenses.

¨     The amount of assistance may gradually reduce (taper off) over a period of seven years.

¨     The Court suggested several sources of funding, including:

¨     Donations from senior advocates and experienced lawyers.

¨     A portion of court fees collected by the judiciary.

¨     A share of costs imposed in judicial proceedings.

¨     The Court also proposed a statutory framework for structured donations and contributions.

¨     Suggested incentives for donors include tax exemptions, national awards, and other forms of recognition.