CJI KHANNA SUPPORTS MINIMUM STIPEND FOR JUNIOR LAWYERS

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Friday expressed strong support for the Bar Council of India's recent proposal to introduce a minimum stipend for junior lawyers, emphasizing the need to address the financial challenges that discourage young lawyers from pursuing careers in litigation.

- 

CJI Khanna noted a troubling trend where bright, young legal professionals increasingly choose corporate law or in-house roles, not out of personal preference but due to financial considerations. He highlighted that this shift away from litigation was symptomatic of deeper structural issues, particularly the lack of financial and social security for first-generation lawyers.

"Today we are witnessing a concerning trend where young legal minds are gravitating towards corporate law or managerial roles," CJI Khanna remarked. "While these roles have merit, we must ask ourselves are we failing to guide these young lawyers towards public interest work? Who will represent the common citizens in the future? The exodus from litigation isn't just a matter of personal choice; it reflects the systemic issues in the profession."