Jaipur: A single-judge Bench of Rajasthan high court directed the state govt, the Bar Council of Rajasthan, and all district and taluka bar associations to frame a structured scheme titled “Rajasthan Advocates (Aid to Purchase Law Books) Scheme” for young advocates. The court also ordered the creation of a dedicated “Junior Advocates Welfare Fund for Purchasing Law Books” with the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association.The court mandated the opening of a separate bank account in the SBI High Court branch, Jaipur, disbursal of Rs 5,000 as one-time financial assistance to eligible junior advocates, and submission of a compliance report before it.The order was passed by Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand on Feb 11, 2026, and the copy of the judgment was uploaded Saturday. The directions came while hearing an appeal filed by Meena Devi and five other family members against the Jan 10, 2017 award of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Dausa. The appellants sought enhancement of compensation granted in a motor accident case but approached the high court with a delay of 450 days.Expanding beyond the individual dispute, Justice Dhand made detailed observations on the challenges faced by junior lawyers, particularly first-generation practitioners with less than five years of experience. The court noted that they struggled with low and uncertain income, lack of proper seating facilities in courts, limited mentorship, and difficulty in purchasing essential legal texts. “Many talented young lawyers leave the profession due to financial pressure,” the order recorded.Calling young advocates the “backbone of the legal system”, the court held that supporting them was not a favour but a necessity for strengthening the justice delivery system. Under the directions, advocates below 28 years of age and with one to five years of practice will be eligible for Rs 5,000 assistance. Beneficiaries must submit purchase receipts within one month, failing which the amount will be recoverable with 12% annual interest.The court observed that the explanation for the inordinate delay was “not fully satisfactory”. However, considering that important questions of law and fact were involved in the appeal, the court condoned the delay in the interest of justice, subject to payment of Rs 11,000 as costs.The court directed that the cost amount be deposited in the newly created welfare fund meant exclusively for supporting young advocates in purchasing law books and online legal resources.The court also urged senior advocates to voluntarily contribute to the fund. A compliance report was sought, and the matter will be reviewed on March 6, 2026.
