Bar Council of India Advocates Welfare Committee has introduced a One-Time Special Relief Scheme for Flood-Affected Bar Associations 2025 , in view of the devastating floods across Punjab and Haryana, to support the legal fraternity in this region. This scheme is formulated under Rule 44A (5) of the BCI Rules, and has come into effect after the approval of the Bar Council of India. Suvir Sidhu, Chairman of the Committee and Member-Representative of BCI from Punjab and Haryana said that the Bar Council of India and Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana stands with the Bar Associations and members of the legal fraternity of Punjab & Haryana during this crucial time. “We owe, it’s our duty”.
The objective of this scheme is to assist Bar Associations in repairing damages to chambers, libraries, furniture, electrical equipment, or any other infrastructure essential to the functioning of the Bar Association, which have been adversely affected by flooding, excessive rainfall, water logging etc. The grant is intended to help restore normal operations of Bar rooms and facilities at the earliest.
Under this scheme, a fixed one-time grant shall be provided directly to the eligible Bar Association’s account, and with up to ₹2,00,000 per affected district-level Bar Association (one-time grant), and up to ₹1,00,000 per affected sub-divisional Bar Association (one-time grant).
This financial assistance is non-refundable and is given as a grant, not a loan, to the Bar Association.
Additionally, while recognizing the severe loss of trees and green cover caused by the floods, and with a view to restoring nature and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability, an additional one-time grant shall also be provided to Bar Associations exclusively for plantation and upkeep of trees. Each Sub-Divisional Bar Association shall be entitled to a grant of up to ₹5,000/- and each District Bar Association shall be entitled to a grant of up to ₹10,000/- for this purpose. This grant shall be unconditional and utilised solely for the plantation and maintenance of trees, so as to ensure their healthy growth over the years. The plantation drive shall be undertaken jointly by the Member of the State Bar Council from the concerned region, along with the President and Executive Committee of the respective Bar Association, who shall collectively oversee its implementation over the years.