BCI approves one-time relief scheme for flood-hit bar associations in Punjab and Haryana

The Bar Council of India (BCI) 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.

The scheme addresses the widespread damage caused by floods and excessive rainfall in Punjab and Haryana this year, aiming to provide immediate financial aid for the repair and restoration of bar association infrastructure.

To enable early resumption of normal functioning, eligible district-level bar associations will receive a direct one-time grant of up to ₹2,00,000 and sub-divisional associations will receive ₹1,00,000.

This financial aid is non-refundable and is extended as a grant not a loan, the letter released by BCI stated.

"Applications under this scheme should be submitted by eligible Bar Associations within 60 days from the date of announcement of this scheme. The Committee may consider late applications only in exceptional cases," as per the scheme.

Acknowledging the loss of green cover to the floods, the scheme provides an additional grant of ₹10,000 for each district bar association and ₹5,000 for each sub-divisional bar association, exclusively for plantation and upkeep of trees.

"Applications must be made by the concerned Bar Association through a duly passed resolution of its executive committee and must be accompanied by an expert certificate of the damage and other supporting documents as required under the scheme. The financial assistance once sanctioned will be transferred directly into the official bank account of the concerned Bar Association either through electronic transfer or by account payee cheque. After utilising the funds the Bar Association will be required to submit a utilisation report with photographs and a description of the works carried out within three months of receipt of the grant to the State Bar Council to ensure accountability and transparency," the letter stated.

The scheme also clarifies that “floods” will include excessive rainfall and waterlogging, with the Advocates Welfare Committee empowered to extend benefits in such cases.

The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has been directed to circulate the scheme promptly and forward verified applications with recommendations for swift sanction and disbursal of relief.

Advocate Suvir Sidhu, Chairman of the Bar Council of India Advocates Welfare 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.

[Read Letter]