Wed Jun 25 22:34:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

The Bombay High Court is considering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by junior lawyers in Maharashtra seeking a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. The court questioned the legal basis for mandating such a stipend, acknowledging the financial struggles of junior lawyers but asking about the statutory right and the source of funding. The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa (BCMG) stated they couldn’t afford the scheme without state support. The court adjourned the matter, requesting clarity on any statutory provisions requiring financial aid for junior lawyers. The PIL highlights the financial difficulties faced by young lawyers and cites similar schemes in other states.

**News Article:**

**Bombay High Court Questions Legal Basis for Junior Lawyer Stipends**

**Mumbai, June 26, 2025** – The Bombay High Court has adjourned a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a monthly stipend for junior lawyers in Maharashtra, raising questions about the statutory right to such financial aid. A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe acknowledged the financial hardships faced by young lawyers but questioned the legal foundation for mandating a stipend.

The PIL, filed by twelve junior advocates, requests a monthly stipend of ₹5,000 for lawyers with less than three years of practice and an annual income below ₹1 lakh. Petitioners argued that the stipend would provide crucial support during the early stages of their careers, particularly for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They pointed to similar schemes in states like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, and cited a Bar Council of India (BCI) recommendation for higher stipends in rural and urban areas.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Aradhe questioned where the necessary funds would come from, noting the Bar Council’s lack of resources.

The Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa (BCMG) responded that implementing the scheme would cost approximately ₹155 crore annually, an amount they cannot afford without state support. The BCMG also stated certain states that have these schemes are aided.

The court has directed all parties to return in two weeks with clarity on whether any statutory provision requires financial assistance for junior lawyers. The petition also suggests utilizing the Maharashtra Advocates Welfare Fund to finance the proposed scheme. The petition highlights a survey indicating that over 79% of lawyers with less than two years of experience earn less than ₹10,000 a month.

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