The Odisha State Bar Council has announced the implementation of the Advocate Welfare Corpus Fund Act-2020, effective from April 1, 2025.
Under this act, a Corpus Fund stamp of Rs 100 will be mandatory when filing cases, with the funds aimed at benefiting lawyers across the state.
The Act, enacted five years ago, faced delays in its implementation. However, the newly elected Bar Council has decided to enforce it from the next financial year. The collected funds will be used to support various initiatives such as bar libraries, assistance for junior advocates, and emergency aid for lawyers, including medical treatment and death assistance.
Out of the Rs 100 stamp fee, Rs 20 will be allocated to 190 bar associations in the state. The remaining amount will be used for the collective benefit of lawyers. Odisha State Bar Council Chairman Sitanshu Mohan Dwivedy announced that the funds would support lawyers in cases of emergencies, epidemics, or natural calamities.
The Bar Council has also urged the State Government, Central Government, Bar Council of India, private companies, and individuals to donate to the Corpus Fund. There is a provision for income tax deductions on donations made by private individuals and companies. Additionally, the state government’s grant for lawyer welfare has been increased from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore.
The Bar Council has also requested the implementation of the annual Madhubabu Health Insurance scheme, worth Rs 10 lakh, for all lawyers and land for establishing a Lawyers Academy in the state. The Council has appealed to all lawyers to cooperate in this corpus fund system intended for their welfare.
Council members, including Vice Chairman Rajib Mohanty and senior lawyers Debi Prasad Dhal, Saurchandra Mohapatra, Bibhu Prasad Tripathy, Arupananda Das, and Atma Prakash Mohanty, provided detailed explanations about the Corpus Fund at a press conference. The initiative aims to enhance the welfare and protection of lawyers in Odisha.
