A bench comprising of Chief justice Govind Mathur and Siddharth Verma took suo moto cognizance of a case concerning the extension of financial help for advocates and clerks who are facing extreme hardship due to the imposition of the nationwide lockdown.
The bench has called upon the Bar council of India, Bar council of Uttar Pradesh, Allahabad high court association, Awadh Bar association, UP law ministry and the Allahabad High Court Advocate’s association to check upon the measures and the steps taken to help the needy Advocates and Advocate Clerks.
It is pertinent to note that under section 6 of the Advocates Act, 1961, it is paramount for the the Bar Council of India and State bar Councils to safeguard the interests of Advocates and to provide financial assistance during National emergencies.
The Court also took into consideration the provisions of Uttar Pradesh Advocates Welfare Fund Act, 1974; which authorizes Bar Council of India, Bar Council of the State of Uttar Pradesh and the Trustees Committee to assist needy Advocates in extraordinary circumstances and emergencies. It was noted, whilst the present National lockdown, many advocates have been facing extreme hardship and the need of providing them with quick assistance was realized.
The relevant authorities have been obliged to revert by 15th April for the instant matter. Meanwhile, Advocates with lucrative practices have been encouraged to extend financial and other help to advocates facing hardship and coordinate with Bar Councils and Bar Associations in this regard.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on 15th April.
Read petition here
