Marking Constitution Day, a group of young lawyers submitted a representation to the Bar Council and various Bar Associations in Ernakulam district, urging stronger implementation of constitutional values within the legal profession.The initiative is led by the Young Lawyers' Committee of the All India Lawyers' Union (AILU), Ernakulam district. The representation calls for a dignified and...
Marking Constitution Day, a group of young lawyers submitted a representation to the Bar Council and various Bar Associations in Ernakulam district, urging stronger implementation of constitutional values within the legal profession.
The initiative is led by the Young Lawyers' Committee of the All India Lawyers' Union (AILU), Ernakulam district. The representation calls for a dignified and fair stipend for junior lawyers from senior advocates, inclusion of young lawyers' names in vakalats filed through office establishments, and improved rest-room facilities for women lawyers.
The committee further proposed that Bar Associations set up internal grievance-redressal bodies in line with the principles of the POSH Act, make Bar premises more differently-abled-friendly, and organise sessions to help lawyers cope with mental-health challenges.
District convenor Adil P submitted the representation to the Bar Council and to all Bar Associations in the district.
In its representation, the Committee noted that young lawyers in several Bar Associations have been raising similar concerns locally, and requested the Bar Council to issue uniform guidelines so that all associations adopt basic measures that support early-career lawyers.
Key Demands Placed Before The Bar Council
Fair Stipend For Juniors:
The Committee urged senior lawyers to provide reasonable stipends that would allow young practitioners to meet basic living expenses amid rising costs.
Inclusion of Juniors' Names on Vakalathnamas:
Stating that juniors contribute significantly to case preparation, the letter sought mandatory inclusion of their names on vakalathnamas to ensure due acknowledgement.
Facilities For Women Lawyers:
The representation called for proper ladies' rooms in every Bar Association and the installation of sanitary napkin vending machines as a matter of dignity and essential comfort.
Safe And Respectful Work Environment:
It requested the establishment of a simple grievance-redress mechanism in line with the spirit of the POSH Act to address complaints of harassment in a fair and accessible manner.
Flexible Membership Fees:
Pointing out financial constraints among new practitioners, the Committee suggested allowing membership fees to be paid in instalments.
Accessibility For Differently-Abled Lawyers:
The letter emphasised the need for ramps, accessible washrooms and barrier-free infrastructure to ensure equal participation of differently-abled lawyers and litigants.
Mental Wellness Support:
Recognising the stress associated with the profession, the Committee proposed periodic mental-health workshops or counselling sessions for young lawyers.
The representation concluded by requesting the Bar Council to issue appropriate guidelines so that Bar Associations across Kerala adopt measures aligned with the values of dignity, equality and fairness embedded in the legal profession.