5,970 lawyers suspended by the Bar Council For Not Paying Welfare Fund Subscription

Till such time they clear the advocate welfare fund subscription dues, 5970 Advocates on the Rolls of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, cannot practice in any Court or Tribunal. The decision was taken by the Advocate Welfare Committee of Bar Council of India in a meeting held last Thursday. The State Bar Council on 30 January had cautioned Bar Associations regarding non-payment of welfare fund subscription. Every advocate borne on the rolls of the State Bar Council is mandated to pay to the State Bar Council a prescribed sum every year towards the fund under Rule 40 of Chapter 2, Part VI of Bar Council of India Rules.

A three-member Committee constituted by the State Bar Council is empowered under Rule 42 to pass an order suspending the right of the advocate to practise, if the advocate does not pay the amount or fails to show sufficient cause. When the said advocate pays the subscription due along with late fee, the suspension ceases to operate.

Enacted in 2001, the Advocates' Welfare Fund Act constitutes a welfare fund for the benefit of advocates.

Every advocate practicing before the commencement of the Act must apply to the Trustee Committee within six months of commencement of the Act for admission as a member of the Fund.