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Updated April 8th, 2020 at 16:13 IST

Kerala HC asks Bar Council for details regarding distribution of advocate welfare funds

The matter will be heard on April 15 again after Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Shaji P Chaly passed an interim order on a petition filed

Reported by: Digital Desk
Kerala
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Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the Bar Council of Kerala to file a statement explaining the details of their proposal to distribute funds for the welfare of advocates.

WATCH: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Rules Out Covid Community Transmission; 'mass-testing Soon'

Welfare of advocates

The matter will be heard on April 15 again after Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Shaji P Chaly passed an interim order on the petition filed by Advocates Mohammad Shah and P Abu Siddik.

The petition said, "The entire legal fraternity is eligible for the social security measures contemplated in Section 76 of the Kerala Court Fees and Suit Valuation Act, 1959. But when it is deposited in the account of Welfare Trust it will go only to the lawyers who have membership in the Welfare Trust, excluding others who do not have membership in the Welfare Trust.

Therefore the amendment to Section 76 of the Kerala Court Fees and Suit Valuation Act, 1959 done during the year 2016 and Section 3(2)(e) of the Kerala Advocates Welfare Fund Act, 1980 do not fulfill the interest of the entire legal fraternity and therefore are not sustainable."

WATCH: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Rules Out Covid Community Transmission; 'mass-testing Soon'

No community transmission

In an interview with Republic TV on Wednesday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that there was no community transmission yet. "We are moving towards conducting mass testing as prescribed by WHO to ascertain the spread of the virus. 80% positive cases that have been reported are those who have international travel history. Remaining are those who have maintained close contact with such people. There is no threat of community transmission in Kerala based on information so far. We are ready to meet any eventuality," he said.

On Tuesday evening, CM Vijayan said that nine more have tested positive for coronavirus in the state, taking the total toll to 327, while 12 individuals have recovered. There have been 2 deaths in the state. Among the new cases, four cases have been reported from Kasargod, 3 from Kannur, 1 each from Kollam and Malappuram.

READ: Kerala Expert Committee Suggests 3-phase Plan To Lift Lockdown

READ: Agreement Reached Between Karnataka, Kerala On Opening Border Roads, Centre Tells SC

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Published April 8th, 2020 at 16:13 IST

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