M. KARPAGAM Vs. HOME SECRETARY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These writ petitions, filed in pubic interest, pertain to a State Government notification bearing G.O.(Ms).No.246 dated June 30, 2020 that provides for stipend to junior lawyers.

(2.) The challenge in the petitions is that the notification is confined to eligible junior lawyers who have only studied in a Government Law College. According to the petitioners, the School of Excellence in Law, which is affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University, ought to be regarded as a Government Law College within the meaning of the expression in the relevant notification for junior lawyers who have obtained Bachelor Degrees in Law from the School of Excellence in Law to also be eligible to obtain the stipend, provided they meet the other criteria.

(3.) It is submitted on behalf of the State that the stipend is not meant for persons who have obtained a costly education as it will be presumed that persons who can afford to pay in the range of Rs.80,000/- or so per annum for their legal education, as charged by the School of Excellence in Law, would not belong to the needy strata of the society requiring financial assistance. It is submitted on behalf of the State that such stand is clearly spelt out in the counter-affidavit filed by the State.