Financial Assistance To Lawyers Affected By Covid-19: Delhi HC Judge Justice Siddharth Mridul Donates Rs 1.25 Lakh

Justice Sidharth Mridul of Delhi High Court has donated a sum of Rs. 1.25 lakh to the Bar Council of Delhi's Advocates Welfare Fund in wake of the financial assistance required by lawyers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A statement was issued by Co-Chairman of Bar Council of India to this effect.

"Justice Mridul is a former member and Vice-Chairman of BCD and has befittingly responded to the pathetic conditions lawyers are forced to live in due to the unprecedented crisis caused by the pandemic and closure of physical court functioning.

We are confident that the solemn contribution made by Justice Sidharth Mridul will inspire all Senior members of the Bar and Judges alike to do their bit for needy lawyers grappling with the worst phase of their life".

Since the national lockdown was imposed in order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, courts all over the country have been functioning on a limited basis. Only urgent matters are being taken up via video-conferencing, with no sign of resumption of physical court hearings for the time-being.

Multiple petitions have been filed before the High Courts of the country, as well as the Supreme Court, seeking for measures to alleviate the financial distress being caused upon lawyers due to effective loss of livelihood.

Recently, the Supreme Court, while hearing a plea filed by the Bar Council of India, seeking for financial assistance, took suo moto cognisance of the plight of lawyers, and issued notice to the Central Government, all State Governments, State Bar Councils, High Court Bar Associations, as well as Registrar General of all High Courts.

The Delhi High Court is also hearing a petition filed by Bar Council of Delhi regarding the implementation of the CM's Advocates' Welfare Scheme, in addition to another petition seeking for directions to Central Government and Delhi Government to aid in the finance of medical expenses of advocates.