Plea In Andhra Pradesh HC Against Non-Vaccination Of Lawyers: State Undertakes To Hold Drive For Those Aged 45+ In Consultation With Bar Associations

Responding to a plea filed against non-vaccination of lawyers, the Andhra Pradesh Government on Thursday informed the High Court that vaccines will be administered to members of the legal fraternity aged above 45 years, in consultation with the respective Bar Associations.

"Mr. S.Sriram (Advocate General) submits that vaccination to members of the legal fraternity who have crossed 45 years of age would be administered in two places in each District and modalities for such vaccination will be worked out in consultation with the Bar Associations," the Court recorded.

The submission was made before a division bench of Chief Justice Arup Kumar Goswami and Justice Ninala Jayasurya in a PIL complaining that vaccines are not being administered to Advocates, irrespective of their age. The plea also alleged that there is no scheme for providing medical treatment to their family members in Covid-hospitals/ covid healthcare centres.

The plea further sought directions for releasing the balance amount from the 100 crores fund that was allotted by the State Government for welfare of the lawyers' community.

During the course of hearing on Thursday, the Court was further informed by the Advocate General that vaccination for the legal fraternity will be undertaken, strictly in compliance with the guidelines holding field. It was also informed that efforts would be made to administer vaccine to court staff and Judicial Officers of the Districts who have crossed 45 years of age, in consultation with the Principal District Judges of the Districts concerned, while administration of Vaccination.

Additionally, it was submitted that a Vaccination drive was earlier conducted wherein 73 lawyers were administered dozes.

On the issue of releasing further funds however, the AG has sought more time to seek instructions. Accordingly, the matter is posted for hearing on 20th August.

In a similar development, a plea has recently been filed before the Jabalpur Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking to protect the interest of the members of the legal fraternity for treatment of COVID-19, prioritization in vaccine inoculation and extended benefits as frontline workers.

The Chhattisgarh High Court recently sought response from the State Bar Council on a plea seeking relief for the families of such Advocates who have either succumbed to Covid-19 or have been infected with it.

Case Title: Andhra Pradesh Bar Council v. UOI & Ors.

Click Here To Read Order 

Edited by Akshita Saxena