2012 CM Welfare Scheme: MP High Court Issues Notice On PIL Claiming State Failed To Financially Help Newly Enrolled Advocates

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notice to the State government on a PIL alleging failure to financially assist newly enrolled advocates under the Chief Minister Welfare Scheme.A division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain in its order observed, “Notice issued. Smt. Janhavi Pandit, Additional Advocate General accepts notice on behalf of respondents No. 1 to 4 and prays for and is granted four weeks' time to file reply to the present petition. Rejoinder, thereto, if any, be filed within two weeks thereafter. On taking steps, notice be served upon the respondent No.5 and on receipt of notice by the said respondent He is directed to file counter affidavit within four weeks. Rejoinder, thereto, if any, be filed within two weeks thereafter.”The court was a hearing a PIL filed by Mahakaushal Law Student Association, Madhya Pradesh which is an association of law students and claims that it is dedicated to promoting the welfare of the justice system. The plea claims the State Government failed to disburse Rs. 12,000 financial assistance provided under the Chief Minister Welfare Scheme, 2012 to newly enrolled advocates for purchasing tables and chairs to establish their offices. The plea alleges that despite sanction orders, the funds have not been released to advocates enrolled after 2019 who have cleared the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) up to 2025. Thus, State's failure to disburse the said amount violates the objectives of the Chief Minister Welfare Scheme, 2012 and hampers the professional development of advocates, it is argued.The plea further states that the State Bar Council of Madhya Pradesh, as a regulatory body has a role in ensuring the welfare of newly enrolled advocates. However, no steps have been taken by the State Bar Council to address the non-disbursement of the financial assistance to advocates enrolled after 2019.During the hearing on May 13, the Court issued notice to the respondents/State and granted them four weeks' time to file a response.The matter is listed after six weeks.Case Title: Mahakaushal Law Student Association MP Through Its President Ankush Choudhary Vs The State Of Madhya Pradesh And OthersCounsel for Petitioner: Advocate Sanjay Kumar VermaClick Here To Read/Download Order

2012 CM Welfare Scheme: MP High Court Issues Notice On PIL Claiming State Failed To Financially Help Newly Enrolled Advocates

Anukriti Mishra

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