Bihar Deputy CM Engages with Advocates’ Delegation on Budget Requests
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Synopsis
On February 10, a group of advocates from Patna High Court, led by Yogesh Chandra Verma, discussed their budgetary needs with Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, emphasizing infrastructure improvements and financial support for lawyers.
Key Takeaways
- Delegation met Bihar Deputy CM to discuss budgetary needs.
- Key demands include better seating in courts.
- Request for financial assistance for young lawyers.
- Proposal for healthcare inclusion under Ayushman Bharat.
- Allocation of Rs 25 lakh from MLA fund for lawyer facilities.
Patna, Feb 10 (NationPress) In anticipation of the Bihar Budget 2025, a group of advocates from Patna High Court, led by prominent lawyer Yogesh Chandra Verma, had a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary on Monday.
The advocates presented a memorandum detailing their essential requests, advocating for financial assistance and infrastructure enhancements.
The team urged the state to allocate funds for improved seating arrangements in 101 sub-divisional courts and 38 district courts to streamline judicial operations.
Lawyers' accommodation within court premises has been a longstanding dilemma for Bihar's administrators. Numerous advocates, particularly those new to the field, face challenges with inadequate seating, often relying on just a table and a chair for their legal duties.
While senior attorneys benefit from dedicated chambers, most practicing lawyers contend with limited space, hampering their efficiency.
This infrastructure shortfall has been a persistent demand from the legal community, prompting ongoing appeals for governmental action.
The delegation also requested an annual budget for the Advocate Association to aid legal professionals and a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 for novice lawyers for their initial five years of practice.
They called for increased assistance from the Advocate Welfare Trust, proposing to raise compensation from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 15 lakh in the event of an advocate's passing.
Additionally, the delegation sought the inclusion of lawyers in the Ayushman Bharat Scheme and the creation of healthcare facilities in all district and sub-divisional courts.
They further proposed the establishment of a high-level committee to tackle challenges arising from the three new laws recently enacted.
Samrat Choudhary assured the advocates that their requests would be reviewed in collaboration with Finance Department officials. He also announced a Rs 25 lakh allocation from his MLA fund to improve facilities for High Court lawyers and encouraged them to use it judiciously.
