Fresh law graduates from non-premier Bengaluru colleges face low wages, long hours
Bengaluru: Fresh law graduates from non-premier colleges in Bengaluru are grappling with financial challenges and intense workloads, especially those entering litigation. Many report working 12 to 16 hours a day for monthly salaries ranging between ₹10,000 and ₹20,000.
Navyatha V., a graduate from a law college in South Bengaluru, shared her struggles as a junior advocate under a Supreme Court lawyer. “I work 12 to 14 hours daily, traveling between courts and handling extensive tasks, yet I earn ₹12,000 a month. Without this experience, transitioning to corporate law is tough, especially for graduates from non-premier institutions,” she explained.
Unlike other fields, most law colleges lack structured placement systems, making it difficult for students to secure corporate roles. Additionally, internships under senior advocates often provide little financial relief.
Professor N. Sathish Gowda from University Law College argued that law schools should not focus on placements, likening legal education to medical training. He noted, “Around 70% of our students pursue litigation, which includes branches like banking, property, and family law, due to increasing opportunities.”
Assistant Professor Roopa S. of BMS College of Law pointed out disparities among students from private universities, deemed universities, and colleges affiliated with Karnataka State Law University (KSLU). She explained that KSLU-affiliated students are limited to internships during vacations, often lasting only two weeks, making it harder to develop the skills corporate firms demand.
Despite these challenges, professors encourage perseverance, highlighting that dedicated practice during the initial five years can lead to better opportunities and higher earnings. Gowda noted that experienced advocates can earn anywhere between ₹30,000 to ₹10 lakh per month.
Admissions to law colleges in Bengaluru remain unaffected, with institutions like University Law College receiving 600 to 800 applications for 60 seats annually.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
