Case Law: Farida Begum vs Government of Puducherry 2024

🔰The Madras High Court suggested the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Bar Council to fix a minimum stipend for the appointment of junior lawyers, so that their livelihood can be protected.

🔰Justice SM Subramanian and Justice C Kumarappan said that often young lawyers are unable to make a living due to less payment from their senior lawyers. The court said that senior lawyers, who take work from junior lawyers without paying them minimum stipend, are actually exploiting young lawyers and directly violating their fundamental rights, which the court cannot allow.

🔰The court said, “Taking work without payment is exploitation and directly violates the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. The livelihood of these young talented lawyers who are starting their practice with hope should be encouraged by senior lawyers, legal fraternity and courts.” The court said that the function of the State Bar Council is to protect the rights, privileges, interests and livelihood of lawyers who have enrolled with great ambitions. The court said that it cannot allow exploitation of young lawyers under any circumstances. Therefore, it directed the state to fix a minimum stipend.💰