The Jammu and Kashmir administration has extended financial aid to help lawyers whose livelihoods have been affected amid the ongoing national lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, GC Murmu, has handed over Rs 1 crore to the Registrar General of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court and it has become first in the country to extend such financial aid.
The Allahabad High Court also took cognizance of needy lawyers in the State and directed the Bar Council of India to release the funds allocated to the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh on or before April 27, 2020 to facilitate schemes to help such advocates during the COVID-19 crisis. The Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry decided to set up a special fund for the purpose, which has now raised over Rs 1.12 crores, with Rs 45 lakhs being raised yesterday following a contribution made by the Bar Council of India Advocates Welfare Committee.
In Karnataka, the State Junior Advocates Association (KSJAA) has written to Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, asking him to consider the release of Rs 25 crore to the KSBC COVID -19 Advocates Relief Fund.
The Advocates Association of Bangalore has also asked members of the Bar to extend financial assistance to needy young lawyers.
The Bar Council of Delhi, in the meanwhile, has announced that it would provide assistance to the extent of Rs 5,000 to advocates facing financial difficulties.
It also urged the legal fraternity to contribute towards the fund for helping advocates meet their day-to-day expenses.
