MP govt to provide Rs 12k financial aid to advocate freshers

"The state government would revive the State Law Commission (and) will provide a lump sum assistance of Rs 12,000 to new entrants in the profession to help them start practice and set up their offices," Chouhan said addressing first-of-its-kind 'Advocates Panchayat' at his official residence here.

Agreeing in principle to enact Advocates' Protection Act, the chief minister said opinion of legal experts would be sought in this regard.

Chouhan also announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh to the kin of lawyers in case of death. The Bar Council also awards them an equal amount.

He said a special fund would be created for the treatment of advocates suffering from serious diseases.

Lawyers will now have a representation in the revenue board and libraries at Tehsil level would also be enriched, Chouhan said, adding the demand for raising the honorarium of law officials and government pleaders has also been accepted by his government.

The state government has also agreed to reimburse the power bills of the offices of bar associations to a certain limit.

The legal fraternity comprising the state's Advocate General R D Jain, state Bar Council Association president Shivendra Upadhyaya welcomed the decisions.

Chouhan felicitated some senior lawyers on the occasion for their contribution to the profession of law.

Law Minister Narottam Mishra, state unit BJP president Prabhat Jha, besides a large number of lawyers were present on the occasion.