Bar Council of India Approves One-Time Special Relief Scheme, 2025 for Flood-Affected Bar Associations in Punjab & Haryana
The Voice of Chandigarh
The Bar Council of India, under the dynamic leadership of Manan Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, Chairman, Bar Council of India and Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), has approved the One-Time Special Relief Scheme, 2025 to aid flood-affected Bar Associations in Punjab and Haryana and support the legal fraternity’s recovery from the unprecedented floods and heavy rainfall that struck the region this year.
The scheme, formulated under Rule 44A(5) of the Bar Council of India Rules, aims to provide immediate financial aid to Bar Associations at the sub-divisional and district levels for the repair and restoration of essential infrastructure — including chambers, libraries, furniture, computers, electrical equipment, and other facilities damaged by floods.
Financial assistance of up to ₹1,00,000 will be available for sub-divisional Bar Associations and up to ₹2,00,000 for district-level Bar Associations. Additionally, recognising the loss of green cover, the scheme also provides grants for afforestation and plantation drives — up to ₹5,000 for sub-divisional and ₹10,000 for district Bar Associations.
Suvir Sidhu, Member, Bar Council of India, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Manan Kumar Mishra for taking personal pains to ensure the scheme’s swift approval. He noted that the General House, under Shri Manan Mishra’s chairmanship, expeditiously approved this initiative, which will bring much-needed relief to lawyers & Bars in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
Mr. Sidhu also appreciated the proactive and instrumental efforts of Rakesh Gupta, Chairman, State Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana; Shri Amit Rana, Vice-Chairman; and Surinder Dutt Sharma, Honorary Secretary, for their tireless service in safeguarding the welfare of advocates during these difficult times.
Suvir Sidhu further lauded the untiring contributions of Jai Vir Yadav, C.M. Munjal, Minderjeet Yadav, Dr. Vijender Ahlawat, Karanjit Singh, Raj Kumar Chauhaan, Gurtej Singh Grewal, Chaudhary Karamjeet Singh, Ajay Chaudhary, Chetan Verma, Harpreet Singh Multani, and all Members of the Bar Council who have been the brains behind this scheme, and have been assisting affected advocates and Bar Associations with unwavering commitment.
Eligible Bar Associations are encouraged to apply for relief within 60 days from the announcement of the scheme, submitting necessary details of damage, resolutions, and verification as prescribed. Sanctions will be released on a rolling basis to ensure prompt support for the restoration of Bar rooms, libraries, and other essential facilities. Bar Council of India and Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana stands with Bar Associations and legal fraternity during these times.
