CJI BR Gavai Urges Bar Associations to Emulate SCBA’s CSR-Funded Health Insurance Model
On May 21, 2025, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai called upon Bar Associations nationwide to adopt innovative methods for providing financial assistance to young lawyers entering the profession. He highlighted the Supreme Court Bar Association’s (SCBA) successful initiative of raising ₹50 crores through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to offer Group Mediclaim Health Insurance to Supreme Court lawyers.
Speaking at a book release event organized by the SCBA, CJI Gavai emphasized that such initiatives should serve as a model for other Bar Associations across the country. He stated:
“I hope this becomes a strong model for all bar associations across the country; after all, a strong bar is a foundation of an independent judiciary.”
He further stressed the importance of supporting young lawyers who lack financial backing:
“I also take this opportunity to call upon bar associations across the country to explore the ways of raising dedicated funds to provide financial support for young lawyers who enter the legal profession without any financial safety net.”
CJI Gavai noted that financial instability often discourages young individuals from continuing in the legal profession. He urged senior advocates and Bar Associations to mentor juniors not only in terms of knowledge and skill but also by providing them with fair remuneration:
“The absence of financial support can deter young individuals from continuing in the profession—this is where the role of senior advocates and the Bar Association becomes critical—it is both a professional duty and a normal responsibility of seniors to mentor juniors not just in terms of knowledge and skill but also providing them the dignity of fair remuneration.”
Highlighting the challenges faced by young lawyers, he remarked:
“Financial uncertainty, irregular working hours, and the pressure of navigating the profession without the guarantee of work are just a few of the hurdles faced by the lawyers.”
CJI Gavai concluded by underscoring the significance of health insurance as a support system for young lawyers:
“Providing good health care measures is not just a financial help but provides a vital support system. It offers the lawyers a degree of financial certainty and peace of mind in times of medical need.”
The event also featured SCBA President and Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who expressed gratitude to various contributors for donating funds, including prominent figures such as Anil Ambani, Anil Aggarwal, the DMR group, Gautam Adani, Laxmi Mittal, Mukesh Ambani, and Chandra from Tata Sons. He detailed the insurance scheme’s coverage, which includes pre-existing diseases from day one, maternity cover for the first two children, room rent, ICU rent, and coverage for family members aged 0–90 years.