Parliament Question: Advocates Protection Act

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3298 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 07TH AUGUST, 2026 ADVOCATES PROTECTION ACT

3298. SHRI RAMASAHAYAM RAGHURAM REDDY:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has assessed the financial and professional challenges faced by young advocates during the initial years of legal practice, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the proposed Advocates Bill contains provisions for monthly stipends, skill development programmes, legal aid incentives, interest-free education loans, or other financial assistance for newly enrolled advocates, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government proposes to introduce a national policy for the welfare and social security of advocates, including mental health support and retirement benefits, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether any timeline has been fixed for implementing these welfare measures after the enactment of the Bill; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the steps being taken to improve the professional welfare and economic security of advocates in the country? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a) to (e): The Government is conscious of the financial and professional difficulties experienced by a substantial number of young advocates during the initial years of practice. In this regard, the Bar Council of India (BCI), a regulatory body for legal profession under the Advocates Act, 1961 vide Circular No. BCI:D:5383/2024 dated 15 October 2024, has recommended a minimum monthly stipend of Rs 20,000 for junior advocates working in urban areas and Rs 15,000 for junior advocates working in rural areas, ordinarily for at least three years from the date of engagement. There is no proposal under consideration regarding introducing a national policy for the welfare and social security of Advocates, including mental 1health support and retirement benefits with the Government. The welfare of Advocates is governed by the Advocates' Welfare Fund Act, 2001, under which the respective State Bar Councils administer the State Advocates' Welfare Funds and are empowered to extend financial assistance to Advocates in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Further, under the extant provisions as per Section 6(2) and Section 7(2) of the Advocates Act, 1961, the State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India, respectively, are empowered to constitute one or more funds in the prescribed manner for providing financial assistance and implementing welfare schemes for indigent, disabled or other Advocates.

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