The Kerala government has sanctioned grant of Rs. 5,000 as monthly pension for lawyers with less than three years practice at the Bar and annual income of less than Rs. 1 lakh.

The lawyer should be below thirty years of age to be eligible for stipend. Further, the lawyer should submit an affidavit attested by his/her Senior (who has at least fifteen years practice) or concerned Bar Association every three months stating that he/she is still in active practice.

The circular issued yesterday adverts to the statutory framework behind the move –  Kerala Advocates Welfare Fund Act, 1980.

As per the circular, the Act provides for payment of Rs. 5,000 as stipend for a lawyers with less than Rs. 1 lakh as annual income and practice not exceeding three years at the Bar. Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the Advocate General who is also the Chairperson of the Advocate Welfare Fund Trust Committee, had written to the State government praying that the same be implemented

Subsequently, the Government conducted a study of the subject matter before allowing the stipend.

Read the circular below.

Image taken from here.