Advocates Should Not Be Shunted Out For Non Payment Of Rent: BCD Writes to Delhi HC, Seeks Directions [Read Petition]

In light of the nationwide lockdown which has rendered many advocates without work, the Bar Council of Delhi has written a letter to the judges of the Delhi High Court, highlighting the need to ensure that no advocate is rendered homeless during these testing times of COVID19 pandemic.

The Council has asked the court to issue directions to the Central Government, Delhi Government and Delhi Police to ensure that no advocate is shunted out of their rented accommodation on failure to pay monthly rent.

It is further demanded, that the court shall issue directions identical to those issued by the Reserve Bank of India, wherein government and non government agencies are directed to defer all dues until restoration of normal conditions on such terms and conditions as may be considered appropriate.

Moreover, the Central Bank has issued instructions to the Banks to defer payment of EMI for house loans.

It was informed to the court that the Bar Council of Delhi, at its own level, has come up with a scheme to provide financial support to advocates in need.

This financial assistance is aimed at providing food and medical supplies to advocates who can't afford it due to non availability of work caused by the restrictive functioning of the courts.

The non availability of work due to the nationwide lockdown, it is claimed, has rendered many advocates incapable of paying rents.

While highlighting the alarming display of large crowds of migrant workers assembling at Anand Vihar Bus Terminal, the Council submitted that:

'It is the duty and responsibility of the governments to continue people to stay where ever they are and provide basic necessities, no matter whether they have lost their jobs or not able to pay rent, even if unemployed.'

The court is also informed of the decision taken by the District Magistrate of Noida, wherein the landlords are advised to defer payment of rent for one month.

The Council has asked the court to ensure this relief to the advocates in need, as the country today is on better position and has enough resources to sustain such measures of social welfare in times of need.

'Such a step and directions to Central Government are essential to overcome the situation created due to spread of Coronavirus', it is stated.

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