Delhi High Court Grants Two Weeks Time To Lawyers Claiming Benefits Under CM Advocate Welfare Policy To Provide Complete Information

Background

The order came in the wake of the issue of non furnishing of complete data to the NIACL as there were discrepancies in the data furnished by the advocates as a result of which Govt. of NCT of Delhi decided to re open the link to enable such advocates to complete their data.

Adv. Sanjay Rawat appearing on behalf of NIACL submitted that the issuance of e-cards and physical plastic cards for lawyers can only be done after the relevant data with complete and accurate details are available to the NIACL. However, he informed the Court that until the issuance of the cards, NIACL would be providing cashless services but the claims will be reimbursed once the data is completely filled.

Order of the Court

The Court, after taking on record NIACL's submissions, ordered the Govt of NCT of Delhi and Delhi Bar Association to prepare a circular informing advocates about the benefits of NIACL policy. "GNCTD/BCD shall prepare a circular informing all advocates of the effect and benefits of the NIACL policy and the fact that all advocates have to update/rectify/provide their details." The Court ordered.

The Court while granting two weeks time to the respondents ordered that the circular shall be published on all the websites of State Bar Associations including DHCBA to ensure the filling up of data.

On the applicability of the extent of the order, the Court clarified that the order shall only extend to those lawyers who have registered prior to the deadline fixed by NIACL and not to those who have not registered previously. For the latter, the Court clarified that the issue of re opening of registration is under consideration of the High Court.

Case Name: Govind Swaroop Chaturvedi v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors.

Next Date of Hearing: 15^th January 2021

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