Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced a new insurance scheme for advocates covering medical and accident risks, along with an increase in fees for Central Government panel counsel. He also assured that long delays in payment of legal fees by government bodies will be resolved soon.
Union Minister of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, on Friday made several important announcements for advocates across India, including a new insurance scheme and an increase in fees for panel counsel representing the Central Government and its institutions.
He also assured lawyers that the long-standing issue of delay in payment of professional fees would be resolved.
The Law Minister was speaking at the inaugural session of the 17th National Conference of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, held at Balotra in Rajasthan. A large number of lawyers from different parts of the country attended the event.
Towards the end of his address, the Minister announced that the Central Government is working on an Insurance Scheme for Advocates. Explaining the scope of the scheme, he said,
“We are bringing an insurance scheme for you. Both medical insurance and group insurance. Accident will also be covered”.
This announcement was welcomed by the legal fraternity, as it addresses long-pending concerns regarding social security and health protection for advocates.
The Minister also spoke about the issue of low fees and delayed payments to lawyers who appear as panel counsel for the Centre and public sector undertakings. Assuring the gathering that the government has taken note of these grievances, he said,
“Your fees will be increased. Timely payment is not being made. We are resolving that issue also”.
Referring humorously to common complaints raised by advocates, he added,
“There are many who say, we fought the case, but this Coal India (as an example) is not making payment. Isn’t this an issue?”
As the audience responded in agreement, the Minister reiterated,
“We are resolving that issue also”.
Speaking further on issues concerning the legal community, Arjun Ram Meghwal mentioned that legislative protection for advocates is also under consideration.
He informed the gathering that the proposed Advocates’ Protection Act is still under examination and said,
“Advocates’ Protection Act is pending before the Law Commission. The rest of the issues will also be resolved”.
At the beginning of his speech, the Law Minister spoke about recent legislative changes and addressed criticism regarding amendments to the Indian Succession Act. Clarifying the government’s position, he said,
“It was said in the Parliament that we brought in legislation in a hurry. That is not the case. PM Modi has been saying from the time he became the PM, that any law which is not relevant, as a part of the ‘ease of living’ initiative, we had done away with 562 such laws which existed, though it was not necessary… We have now done away with 71 more such laws”.
He emphasised that these steps were taken to simplify laws and improve governance.
Highlighting the importance of constitutional remedies, the Law Minister referred to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s views on the Constitution and said,
“When Babasaheb Ambedkar was asked what is the soul of the Constitution; he said that it is Article 32. Today, we can say that what Babasaheb had said then has been proven to be true. Article 32 functions like the soul of the Constitution to protect the rights of the citizens, and in states, it is Article 226”.
He underlined the crucial role played by constitutional courts in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
He further stated that the strength of the nation depends on the protection of constitutional values and observed that if the pillars of the Constitution—liberty, equality and fraternity—remain secure, the country will continue to grow and progress.
He also expressed confidence in India’s future, saying that the 21st century belongs to Asia and that India will lead the continent in the years to come.
During the same event, Supreme Court judge Justice Vijay Bishnoi also addressed the gathering and spoke against linguistic regionalism, warning that such tendencies are harmful to national unity.
He called upon lawyers to actively contribute towards reducing divisions based on language and region.
Earlier at the conference, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta made a significant observation on constitutional responsibilities.
He stated that anyone approaching courts for enforcement of fundamental rights should first demonstrate compliance with the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution of India.
The announcements made at the conference, especially regarding insurance coverage, fee enhancement and timely payments, are expected to bring much-needed relief to advocates and strengthen confidence among lawyers representing government bodies across the country.
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