Bar Council Of Delhi Writes To PM Modi For Rs 200 Cr Annual Grant

Bar says funds will help needy litigants, lawyers and lawyers’ academy

The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting an annual grant of Rs 200 crore to help it “streamline the legal system”, build adequate infrastructure including a lawyers’ academy and support needy lawyers and litigants.

BCD chairman KC Mittal has written to the PM saying one of the functions of state bar council is to organise legal aid apart from conducting training and maintenance of excellence of legal profession by process of continuing legal education.

But, he added, “Without adequate resources and finances, it is difficult to implement such a mega project in Delhi and NCR.”

“It is, therefore, felt appropriate, that the Central government may be kind enough to grant financial assistance so that functions can be discharged diligently and effectively,” the letter said.

“We would also like to emphasise that if necessary funds are provided, we will be able to provide stipend or necessary financial assistance to a large number of young lawyers who get enrolled with the state bar council with high hopes and expectations,” it added.

The letter also spoke about how there is no system in place for taking care of advocates who suffer financial crisis and added, “there are brilliant and excellent young lawyers joining the profession, who will be able to render effective legal aid to the poor and will be able to establish themselves in the profession”.

The Bar Council said it wishes to establish an academy for lawyers which will perform multiple functions like imparting training to young lawyers, oversee legal education and provide legal aid to all needy persons.

“I hope, keeping in view the noble cause and the requirements of public at large, the Central government may be kind enough to sanction an annual grant of Rs 200 crores to the state bar council of Delhi to streamline the entire process and build adequate infrastructure,” said the BCD’s letter to the PM.