In a significant push for welfare measures, a prominent legal figure from Kanpur has made an urgent appeal to the Union government to implement a substantial health insurance scheme for advocates across the nation.
Key Demands for Legal Community Welfare
Ravindra Sharma, the convener of the Adhivakta Kalyan Sangharsh Samiti and former president of The Lawyers Association, publicly urged Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Thursday. His primary demand is to secure a health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh for all advocates and their families. Sharma emphasized that this should be enacted during the ongoing Lok Sabha session or, alternatively, linked with the existing Ayushman Bharat scheme to expedite benefits.
Call for Time-Bound Implementation of Protection Act
Beyond insurance, Sharma highlighted the pending Advocate Protection Act, which is currently with the Law department. He stressed the need for setting a strict time limit for its passage and its prompt enforcement. The act is deemed crucial for ensuring the safety and security of legal practitioners who often face threats in the line of duty.
Government Response and Upcoming Meeting
Responding to persistent demands from the bar, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has convened a high-level meeting on December 8, 2025. The agenda of this meeting is to seriously consider the proposal for insurance provisions for advocates and potential amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961.
Sharma informed The Times of India that, following the minister's advice, he has already submitted his detailed suggestions via email to the Law Ministry. This proactive step indicates a collaborative approach between the bar and the government to address these long-standing issues.
Implications for India's Legal Fraternity
The demands, if met, would mark a transformative step in social security for India's vast community of advocates. A dedicated health insurance scheme would provide financial relief during medical emergencies, while the Advocate Protection Act would create a safer working environment. The upcoming December meeting is now a focal point for the legal community, which awaits concrete outcomes from the government's deliberations.
