COVID19- 'Lawyers In Difficulty Should Be Provided Financial Assistance', Says SCBA Secretary

Amid the Coronavirus outbreak, Advocate Ashok Arora, the Secretary of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has urged the legal fraternity to render financial assistance to lawyers.

In a message circulated by the Ashok Arora, an email address has been shared, wherein lawyers in need of financial assistance may reach out to him. In light of this, it has also been stated that while doing so, confidentiality of the lawyers shall be maintained.

"I sincerely feel that during this COVID 19 lockdown those lawyers who are in some sort of difficulty should be provided financial assistance. This should be done with total secrecy without hurting the dignity of anyone. One can Email me at ashokarora2310 @ gmail.com" – as per circulated message.

Arora clarified that he was making the suggestion in his personal capacity, and not as an office-bearer of the SCBA.

Apropos this, It has been suggested that the desired funds may be collected through willing senior advocates and if need be, from SCBA accounts.

"The money can be collected from senior advocates and there is no harm even if we spend money from SCBA accounts. There is no gain saying that there would be total trasparency of accounts, without making the names of the recipients public. I seek the opinion of EC & members of SCBA. Warm regards Ashok Arora Secretary SCBA 9810062089" the message states.

In light of the 21 day nationwide lockdown, various bodies such as the Bar Council of Delhi have also appealed for financial assistance for lawyers who are struggling to make ends meet in light of courts being shut.