Breaking : Allahabad HC Takes Suo Moto Case On Assistance To Needy Advocates And Clerks Amid Lockdown [Read Order]

A bench comprising of Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Siddhartha Varma noted that since imposition of the lockdown, "judicial working in the entire country has reduced its pace and is taking up matters of utmost urgency alone. The slow down has adversely affected livelihood of lakhs of people, whose survival depends upon working of the judiciary. An enormous effect is apparently visible on the profession of Advocates and the Registered Advocate Clerks working with them."

It has thus called upon the Bar Council of India, Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh, UP Law Ministry, Allahabad High Court Bar Association, Allahabad High Court Advocate's Association, and the Awadh Bar Association, to explain the steps taken by them or to be taken by them to assist the needy Advocates and the registered Advocate Clerks.

It may be noted that under the Advocates Act, 1961, the Bar Council of India as well as the State Bar Councils are obliged to ensure welfare of Advocates fraternity and also to assist the needy Advocates. Particularly, Section 6 of the Act, in quite unambiguous terms, provides to safeguard the rights, privileges and interests of Advocates and its roll; and also to extend financial assistance to organize welfare schemes for the indigent, disabled or other Advocates.

In view thereof, the court has sought the replies from the abovementioned authorities by April 15.

The court also took note of the Uttar Pradesh Advocates Welfare Fund Act, 1974 whereby the Bar Council of India, Bar Council of the State of Uttar Pradesh and the Trustees Committee have been empowered to devise necessary schemes to assist the needy Advocates in exigencies such as the present one.

The court has thus directed that it should be apprised with the steps taken under this Act.

Inter alia, the bench encouraged lawyers having lucrative practice to assist financially or otherwise to the Bar Councils as well as Bar Associations, in this issue.

The matter is now listed for April 15.

Case Details:
Case Title: In Re  - Assistance To The Needy Advocates And Registered Advocate Clerks
Case No.: PIL 569/2020
Quorum: Chief  Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Siddhartha Varma

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