Rajasthan High Court Flags Plight Of First-Gen Lawyers, Orders Creation Of Junior Advocates Welfare Fund For Purchasing Law Books

The Rajasthan High Court recently flagged the difficulties faced by young, first generation advocates and directed creation of a Junior Advocates Welfare Fund to facilitate purchase of law books by junior advocates of less than 28 years of age, having a practice of 1-5 years.

The bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand observed that the first generation young lawyers had no support to establish their practice, and no resources to purchase the necessary law books. It was stated that many such advocates were dependent on their families even after starting their practice, and some even leave the profession due to financial pressure.

The Court opined that welfare schemes were important for such advocates, like health support, accident help, and emergency funds that could protect them during difficult times.

“Support growth, respect young talent and help to create a legal system where every young budding lawyer feels confident and helpful…Helping Young Advocates is not a favor. There is a need for a better justice system…They bring fresh thinking and new energy to the system. When Young Advocates grow well, courts work better. When they feel ignored, the system becomes weak.”

Apart from the monetary issues, the Court also highlighted other difficulties being faced by young advocates like lack of place for them to sit and read/prepare work files in the court premises. It was highlighted that they stand in corridors with files in hand that affected their dignity and work quality.

The Court held that such advocates needed shared chambers or fixed seating in the courts, and even a simple table and chair would make big difference.

Further, it was stated that young advocates also lacked proper mentorship, and mentorship programs could help a lot. It was held that when seniors guide junior, profession grew with honestly and skill.

“Bar Councils play a key role in the lives of Young Advocates. They can provide training programs, welfare support, and proper court facilities…Skill training, legal updates, and digital learning tools help Young Advocates grow faster. Bar Councils can also help in providing seating and shared chambers. Honest and active support builds trust and improves the legal profession.”

In this background, the Court directed the President/Secretary of Rajasthan High Court Bar Council to create a separate account in the name of “Junior Advocate Welfare Fund” and disburse Rs. 5000 from this account to such junior advocates who were below 28 years of age, having a practice of 1-5 years.

The Bar Association was further directed to prepare a list of such advocates who needed such amount and were unable to purchase the books. It was held that the amount shall be disbursed on first come first serve basis.

The Court was hearing an application for condonation of delay in filing an appeal, which was allowed subject to deposition of Rs. 11,000 in this account.

Furthermore, the Court directed the State Government, Bar Council of Rajasthan, Bar Association of High Court as well as at the level of every district, to frame “Rajasthan Advocates (Aid to purchase Law Books) Scheme for purchase of law books for young advocates.

A purchase committee was directed to be formed as part of this scheme who shall provide a one-time amount of Rs. 5000 to such junior advocates, who would be required to produce cash memo receipts of the purchased law books within a month.

In case the amount shall be spent on anything other than purchase of law books, the amount shall be recoverable with interest at the rate of 12% p.a.

The Court further suggested that the designated Senior Advocates and those having good experience and number of practice, may also be requested by the Bar Associations to voluntarily contribute to the account.

The Rajasthan High Court Bar Association have been directed to submit a compliance report, and the matter has been listed for March 6, 2026.

Title: Smt. Meena Devi & Ors. v Rahul Haldiya & Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 65

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