AI SummaryGrant of Honorarium to Legal Researcher Scheme helps law postgraduates in Puducherry support government departments by managing court cases and preparing legal defenses. Selected candidates receive a monthly honorarium of ₹25,000 for their service. Law and Judicial Department of Puducherry runs this scheme and keeps inviting applications from eligible M.L/LL.M degree holders.
Grant of Honorarium to Legal Researcher Scheme - Introduction
Grant of Honorarium to Legal Researcher Scheme helps legal professionals assist the administration of Puducherry in handling complex legal matters. Through this scheme, the Law Department engages capable individuals to help departments prepare documents like counter affidavits and legal replies in a proper way. This makes sure that government departments submit their defenses on time and avoid unnecessary problems in court. A candidate can join this program for an initial tenure of two years, with a possible one-year extension based on performance.
The scheme was first announced through a notification published in the Gazette of Puducherry, Extraordinary Part-II No.29 dated 8th July 2022. Since then, the department has called for applications regularly, including the latest circular dated 30.06.2025. Interested candidates can download the application form from the official website of the Law Department.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Grant of Honorarium to Legal Researcher Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Target Beneficiary | Individual |
| State | Puducherry |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Nodal Department | Law and Judicial Department, Puducherry |
| Official Website | law.py.gov.in |
Benefits
A selected candidate receives a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹25,000 for the services given. The assignment lasts for an initial period of two years, which the Secretary to Government (Law) can extend by one additional year.
As a Legal Researcher, a person gets access to departmental computers and internet facilities. One day of casual leave is earned per month, and un-availed leave can be carried forward up to a maximum of 2 days. The total casual leave allowed in a calendar year is 8 days. Please note that this position is not a permanent government job, and no other allowances or perks are given.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Monthly Honorarium | ₹25,000 |
| Initial Tenure | 2 Years |
| Extension | 1 Year (subject to approval) |
| Casual Leave | 8 Days/Year |
Assignment Locations: Researchers are attached to major departments like Law, Police, Education, Revenue, Health, Public Works, Social Welfare, Civil Supplies, Commercial Taxes, Industries and Commerce, and Transport. Dress Code: Male researchers should wear a white shirt, black or white pants, and black shoes. Female researchers should wear a white or off-white saree with a matching blouse. Every researcher must follow these norms and give top priority to finishing legal research tasks on time.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scheme, a candidate should meet the following criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen and a resident of Puducherry.
- Should hold a Postgraduate degree in Law (M.L/LL.M) from a recognized Indian university.
- Must not be pursuing any other degree or program that needs compulsory attendance.
- Should be under 30 years of age as of the cutoff date, or 32 years if applying under specific one-time relaxations.
Example: If Priya resides in Puducherry and finished her LL.M last year, she is eligible to apply as long as she is not currently enrolled in another full-time course.
Application Process
Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply for this position.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Law Department website and download the prescribed application proforma from the downloads or notifications section.
STEP 2 - Fill out the form carefully and attach self-attested copies of academic certificates, a recent passport-sized photograph, and the required enclosures. Sign the undertaking declaring that the details given are true.
STEP 3 - Send the completed application to the Under Secretary to Government, Law Department, Chief Secretariat, Puducherry before the announced deadline.
Selection Process: A committee shortlists eligible candidates for a viva voce. Successful candidates must join their assigned department within the time mentioned in their engagement order. A researcher cannot practice as an Advocate in any court or tribunal during the tenure and must inform the Bar Council in writing about pausing practice.
Documents
Please keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Proof of residential address.
- A copy of the Aadhaar card.
- Community certificate.
- Copies of all mark sheets and degree certificates (B.L/LL.B and M.L/LL.M).
- Copy of the All India Bar Examination certificate.
References
Official Scheme Guidelines and Application Circular
FAQ's
Can I practice as an Advocate while working as a Legal Researcher?
No, a researcher cannot practice as an Advocate in any court or tribunal during the tenure. The Bar Council must be informed in writing that practice will be paused during this assignment.
What is the upper age limit to apply for this scheme?
Generally, a candidate must be under 30 years old as of the cutoff date. A one-time relaxation to 32 years may apply if officially announced.
Will I be compensated for working on weekends or holidays?
A researcher may need to work on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays if required by the department. No extra pay or honorarium is given for those additional working hours.
How do I resign from this position if I need to leave?
To leave the assignment early, a formal notice must be submitted at least one month in advance.
Are there any restrictions on taking other jobs during the tenure?
Yes, no other full-time or part-time employment or engagement can be taken up while serving as a Legal Researcher.