In a significant move towards ensuring the welfare of lawyers in Jharkhand, the Jharkhand High Court has directed the state government to clarify the timeline for the release of a Rs 9 crore grant earmarked for the Jharkhand Advocate Welfare Fund Trustee Committee. This grant is intended to support insurance and other statutory benefits for lawyers.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice M. S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Deepak Roshan issued the directive during a hearing focused on the protection and benefits for lawyers in the state. The court demanded that the respondent, identified as respondent no.3, file an affidavit by the next hearing date, specifying the schedule for the disbursement of the allocated funds for the fiscal year 2024-25.
The urgency of the matter reflects broader concerns about the welfare of lawyers who, despite playing a critical role in the administration of justice, reportedly face neglect in receiving due protections and benefits from both the State and Union governments.
This court’s proactive stance comes after previous sessions where the necessity for enhanced insurance benefits for the legal community was emphasized. The next session is scheduled for December 17, where the state government’s response is eagerly anticipated.
