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MP High Court Seeks Progressive Pension Plan for Senior Lawyers
MP High Court Seeks Progressive Pension Plan for Senior Lawyers : In a significant move aimed at securing the welfare of senior advocates, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notices to the State Government, the Madhya Pradesh State Bar Council, and the Bar Council of India. The notice comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Rajendra Srivastava, urging the implementation of a pension scheme for senior lawyers who have dedicated 35 to 40 years to the legal profession.
MP High Court Seeks Progressive Pension Plan: Notice Issued to State Government and Bar Council
The Petition: A Call for Senior Lawyer Welfare
Petitioner Rajendra Srivastava highlighted that while lawyers play a vital role in upholding justice and strengthening the legal system, many face financial hardships in their later years, especially after retiring from active practice. He pointed out the lack of a structured welfare or pension mechanism for senior advocates in Madhya Pradesh, despite decades of service to the profession.
To support his plea, Srivastava cited the Bihar State Bar Council Advocates Welfare Scheme (Pension and Family Pension) Rules, 2012, which provides a sustainable model for lawyers’ pensions and family welfare.
How the Bihar Model Works
Under the Bihar Advocates Welfare Scheme, a pension fund has been established to provide regular financial assistance to eligible lawyers who:
- Retire from active practice due to old age (65 years or above),
- Have at least 30 years of legal experience, and
- Have been members of the scheme for a minimum of 10 years.
Notably, lawyers aged 70 or above are exempt from the 10-year membership rule, ensuring inclusivity. The scheme also includes a family pension, extending support to the dependents of deceased advocates.
MP High Court Seeks Progressive Pension Plan
High Court’s Direction to the State Bar Council
The case was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf at the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The bench noted the success of Bihar’s model and suggested that the Madhya Pradesh State Bar Council consider a similar welfare scheme.
The court observed:
“A copy of the Bihar State Bar Council Advocates Welfare Scheme (Pension and Family Pension) Rules, 2012 was presented to this court. It is taken on record. The State Bar Council may consider whether a similar scheme can be formulated for lawyers in the state of Madhya Pradesh and submit a report to this court.”
Since the State Bar Council headquarters is located in Jabalpur, the High Court transferred the petition to the Jabalpur Bench for further proceedings. The next hearing has been scheduled for November 12, 2025.
Significance of the Court’s Initiative
This development could be a milestone in the welfare of India’s legal fraternity, particularly senior lawyers who lack a stable income post-retirement. If implemented, Madhya Pradesh could set an example for other states by ensuring financial dignity, stability, and recognition for long-serving advocates.
Legal experts see this as a progressive and humane step, acknowledging the lifelong dedication of advocates who have strengthened the judiciary and upheld justice.
Key Highlights
- Court: Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Bench: Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva & Justice Vinay Saraf
- Petitioner: Advocate Rajendra Srivastava
- Objective: Implementation of a pension scheme for senior advocates
- Model Referred: Bihar State Bar Council Advocates Welfare Scheme (2012)
- Next Hearing: November 12, 2025 (Jabalpur Bench)
FAQ: MP High Court Seeks Progressive Pension Plan
Q1. What is the purpose of the PIL filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court?
The PIL seeks the creation of a pension and welfare scheme for senior lawyers who have completed 35–40 years of practice and often struggle financially after retirement.
Q2. Who filed the PIL seeking a pension scheme for lawyers?
The PIL was filed by Advocate Rajendra Srivastava, who emphasized the need to support senior lawyers facing financial difficulties.
Q3. What is the Bihar State Bar Council Advocates Welfare Scheme?
It’s a pension and family pension plan launched in 2012 by the Bihar State Bar Council to provide monthly pensions to retired advocates and financial support to their families.
Q4. Who is eligible under the Bihar model?
Lawyers aged 65 or above with at least 30 years of practice and 10 years of scheme membership. Those above 70 years are exempt from the membership duration condition.
Q5. What action has the Madhya Pradesh High Court taken so far?
The court has issued notices to the State Government, the State Bar Council, and the Bar Council of India, asking them to consider and report on the feasibility of introducing a similar pension scheme.
Q6. When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for November 12, 2025, before the Jabalpur Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
MP High Court Seeks Progressive Pension Plan
The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s move to explore a pension scheme for senior lawyers could redefine social security within the Indian legal system. Drawing inspiration from Bihar’s successful model, this initiative reflects an evolving recognition of lawyers’ lifelong contribution to justice and society.
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