A plea filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking a comprehensive health insurance policy for lawyers. The petition highlights the substantial health risks and financial burdens faced by legal professionals due to the lack of medical insurance coverage.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) submitted to the Allahabad High Court, requesting the implementation of a comprehensive health insurance policy for lawyers registered with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh.
Petition Filed by Alok Kumar Mishra, highlights the pressing need for adequate healthcare benefits for legal professionals, who often face significant health risks and financial challenges due to the lack of medical insurance coverage.
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The plea states,
“Advocates are a crucial part of the administration of justice, and the judicial system cannot function without their assistance. Despite this, advocates registered with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh do not receive benefits such as a Mediclaim policy.”
The petition argued that numerous advocates faced accidents and various health issues, receiving only minimal financial support from their respective Bar Associations, with no governmental assistance.
The petition specifically requests the court to order the respondents, including the Union of India, the UP State Bar Council, and the Bar Council of India, to establish a mechanism or policy for providing a mediclaim policy, health card, or health security to practicing advocates registered with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh, whether in the Allahabad High Court, its Lucknow Bench, or various district and revenue courts.
It cited the Mukhyamantri Adhivakta Kalyan Scheme in Madhya Pradesh and the Chief Minister Advocates Welfare Scheme in Delhi, both of which offer medical and other benefits to advocates registered with their respective State Bar Councils.
The plea urged the Court to instruct the Central Government, the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh, and the Bar Council of India (BCI) to formulate a policy that provides mediclaim benefits, health cards, or health security for practicing advocates registered with the State Bar Council.
In related developments, the Allahabad High Court recently instructed the state government to contemplate creating an insurance scheme for lawyers representing the State Government across Uttar Pradesh, including those appearing before the High Court.
A bench comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Om Prakash Shukla directed the UP Government to submit an affidavit within four weeks.