The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana through a press release on May 02, said that it will take some steps with regard to the functioning of the courts and safety of Advocates in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.
In a emergent meeting held on April 30, the Council observed that due to semi-functional courts, the advocates are finding it difficult to support their families and that if any suspension/lockdown was imposed on Court working again, it would be extremely difficult to regain the lost ground and restart functionality.
The Council thus resolved to immediately write to the Chief Justice apprising him of the current situation and request him to take appropriate steps to safeguard the health and safety of all advocates and their families.
It was further resolved that for at least for 15 days physical hearing of the case should be avoided and only most urgent cases be heard to break the transmission of Covid-19.
It was resolved to request the Election Tribunal to consider the prevailing circumstances of pandemic and keep their order in abeyance of holding elections in the Bar, till the time the situation improves.
In the press release it was further mentioned that Council has resolved to impress upon the respective governments of Punjab, Haryana, and U.T. Chandigarh to allocate Rs. 100 Crores to Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, to provide financial help to the needy Advocates.It was resolved to write to respective State Governments for release of 50 crores each to Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana.
It was further, requested to the Advocate General of Punjab ,Atul Nanda, to immediately release one crore from Trustee Committee (Punjab) as Covid Fund as given by Haryana.
Moreover , the Council will start a 24*7 helpline to provide ready coordination and logistics support to all advocates and their families in Covid Epidemic.