Rajasthan High Court Mandates Financial Support for Junior Advocates
In a landmark ruling, the Rajasthan High Court has issued directives to the state government and legal bodies to create a structured support system for young lawyers. A single-judge Bench, led by Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand, ordered the formulation of the "Rajasthan Advocates (Aid to Purchase Law Books) Scheme" and the establishment of a dedicated "Junior Advocates Welfare Fund for Purchasing Law Books." This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens faced by junior advocates, particularly those from first-generation backgrounds with less than five years of experience.
Key Directives and Eligibility Criteria
The court has mandated several specific actions to ensure the effective implementation of this scheme. A separate bank account must be opened at the State Bank of India's High Court branch in Jaipur to manage the fund. Eligible junior advocates will receive a one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to purchase essential law books and online legal resources. To qualify, advocates must be below 28 years of age and have between one to five years of practice. Beneficiaries are required to submit purchase receipts within one month; failure to do so will result in the amount being recoverable with an annual interest rate of 12%.
Additionally, the court has called for a compliance report to be submitted, with the matter scheduled for review on March 6, 2026. Senior advocates have been encouraged to make voluntary contributions to the welfare fund, further bolstering support for the next generation of legal professionals.
Background and Judicial Observations
The order was passed on February 11, 2026, with the judgment copy uploaded recently. It emerged during the hearing of an appeal filed by Meena Devi and five other family members against a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal award from January 10, 2017. The appellants sought enhanced compensation in a motor accident case but approached the high court with a delay of 450 days. While the court found the explanation for this delay "not fully satisfactory," it condoned it in the interest of justice, subject to payment of Rs 11,000 as costs. This cost amount is to be deposited into the newly created welfare fund.
Justice Dhand expanded the scope of the case to address systemic issues, noting that junior lawyers often struggle with low and uncertain incomes, lack of proper seating facilities in courts, limited mentorship opportunities, and difficulty affording critical legal texts. The order highlighted that many talented young lawyers are forced to leave the profession due to financial pressures, underscoring the urgency of this intervention.
Importance for the Legal System
Emphasizing that young advocates are the "backbone of the legal system," the court asserted that supporting them is not merely a favor but a necessity for strengthening the justice delivery framework. By providing financial aid for law books, the scheme aims to enhance the professional development and retention of junior lawyers, ensuring a more robust and equitable legal environment in Rajasthan.
