We Appreciate Efforts Made By Various Members Of Bar To Support Clerks In These Trying Times: Delhi HC

While expressing such appreciation, the Single Bench of Justice Rekha Palli noted:

'This Court appreciates the efforts of the Delhi High Court Bar Association as also the voluntary offers made by various members of the Bar to support and assistance to the petitioner association in these trying times.'

These observations were made in a writ moved by DHCBCA seeking financial aid for its members due to economic hardship caused by the lockdown.

In yesterday's proceedings, Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur, who is also the President of the Delhi High Court Bar Association, informed the court that various members of the Bar have made voluntary contributions to support the members of DHCBCA.

Mr Mathur said:

'Ms.Maninder Acharya, learned senior counsel has generously volunteered to donate a sum of Rs.2 lakhs; similarly Mr.Rishi Agarwala, and Mr. Jayant Mehta, Advocates have volunteered to donate sums of Rs.3 lakhs and 1 lakh respectively to such a fund, as and when it is created.'

Mr Mathur further assured the court that more such contributions will be made once the fund is finally operationalised. Therefore, he sought more time to work on the finer points of instituting a fund for the members of DHCBCA.

It was also submitted by Mr Mathur, that he along with Senior Advocates Kirti Uppal and Inder Singh Alag, are on agreement on the point that the amount contributed by the various members of the Bar can be deposited in the bank account of the petitioner itself, provided that the funds are only released to those members of the Petitioner association who are recommended by the two/three member committee proposed to be set up by the DHCBA.

However, Mr Mathur did express his dissatisfaction towards allegations and remarks made against advocates in paragraph 16 of the petition. He said:

'...the petitioner association is well aware that a number of Advocates, despite themselves facing financial difficulties, are ensuring that their clerks are duly paid.'

While directing the Petitioner to remove paragraph 16 and file an amended petition, the court noted that it is expected that by the next date, the Bar Association and the Petitioner will be able to convey to this Court a mutually agreed upon solution to lend timely financial aid to the needy members of the petitioner association.

In addition to this, it was also informed to the court that by an order dated 30/06/20, the Delhi Government has rejected the Petitioner's representation seeking aid from the Delhi Government.

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