Karnataka HC orders State to ensure financial aid for advocate clerks

LE Staff

Bengaluru, July 23, 2021: The Karnataka High Court has directed the State government to ensure that the Committee formed under section 4(1) of the Karnataka Advocates Welfare Fund Act, 1983 shall open an account in a scheduled bank so that it can receive amounts transferred to it for the welfare of lawyers’ clerks.

While hearing a batch of pleas seeking financial assistance for advocate clerks in the state owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the High Court directed that the State Government shall ensure that the Committee opens an account in a scheduled bank as may be decided by its members. 

On being asked, the Additional Government Advocate stated that a Committee as contemplated under section 4(1) of the Karnataka Advocates Welfare Fund Act, 1983 has been constituted which will manage the Karnataka Registered Clerks’ Welfare Fund established under section 27 of the said Act of 1983.

Accordingly, the High Court said that the intimation of opening of account shall be sent to the Karnataka State Bar Council along with the account details. 

“On receipt of account details of the fund, the Karnataka State Bar Council shall transfer the amount of Rs.10 lakh to the account of the said fund,” the High Court ordered.