Cuttack: The State Bar Council has announced that junior advocates will receive stipends and that financial assistance will be provided in case of health emergencies or urgent situations. From April 1, the Advocate Welfare Corpus Fund Act, 2020, will come into effect to ensure the protection and well-being of advocates. Seventy-nine percent (79%) of the fund’s revenue will be allocated for advocate welfare.
To generate funds, it will be mandatory for advocates to affix a ₹100 Advocate Welfare Corpus Fund stamp while filing each case. Twenty percent (20%) of the revenue collected from this stamp duty will be returned to registered bar associations, according to the State Bar Council.
Although the law was enacted years ago, it was never implemented until now. The newly elected leadership has prioritized advocate welfare, leading to its immediate enforcement.
Key Provisions and Financial Allocations
1. Health Insurance: Advocates will receive health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh.
2. Advocate Academy: A new Advocate Academy will be established.
3. Increased Government Funding: The state government’s previous financial assistance for advocates will be increased from ₹10 crore to ₹50 crore.
4. Security Measures: Steps will be taken to ensure the security of advocates.
5. Financial Breakdown of the Fund:
4percent: For library renovation of registered bar associations.
3percent: For stipends to junior advocates.
12percent: For advocate medical treatment.
10percent: For financial aid in case of death.
79percent: For emergency situations.
1percent: For the State Bar Council library.
20percent: For Odisha Bar Council’s administrative expenses.
Additional Welfare Measures
Mandatory ₹100 stamp duty per case for advocate welfare.
Seminars and discussions to be funded through the corpus fund.
Financial assistance for advocates with serious illnesses.
Memorial of Madhubabu (Madhusudan Das) to be established in every bar association.
State Bar Council to demand legislation for advocate safety and security from the state government.
Official Announcement
In a press conference held at the council’s meeting hall on Sunday, State Bar Council President Sitanshu Mohan Hibe confirmed these developments. Vice President Rajeev Kumar Mohanty, Indian Bar Council member Bhaktabhushan Barik, and council members Pitabas Panda, Devi Prasad Dhal, Vibhu Prasad Tripathi, Atmaprakash Mohanty, Saurachandra Mohapatra, and Manas Kumar Chand, among others, were present.