Teesha –
The Delhi High Court on 2nd June, 2021 issued a notice in a petition seeking interest-free loan of Rs 5 Lakh for Advocates enrolled with Bar Council of Delhi in order to extend financial assistance to them amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh had sought response from the Central government, Delhi Government, Bar Council of Delhi and Reserve Bank of India to look into the grievance.
The 14 petitioners pleaded for the financial assistance in order meet their basic needs and to survive with dignity.
The petition emphasised that due to the COVID 19 pandemic, many advocates are going through a “real financial hardship” and most of them are waiting for the reopening of the courts to be able to carry out their daily expenses.
The Petition further reads, “This mass gathering of advocates for obtaining this little help of 10kg aata is clearly showing that how much Advocates are suffering from acute financial crisis, for which a direction ought to be given Respondents for their financial help.”
The Bench had sought response from the authorities to safeguard the right to life and dignity and livelihood of thousands of young legal practitioners amidst this acute shortage of livelihood money.
The matter would be heard on August 24 now.