By Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced annual cashless medical treatment of up to ₹5 lakh for practising advocates in the state, offering a major healthcare support measure for lawyers working in the High Court and district courts. The announcement was made during a felicitation programme organised by the High Court Bar Association, Allahabad.
Alongside the health cover, the Chief Minister announced several measures aimed at improving working conditions and professional support for advocates. These include government assistance for furnishing and maintaining chambers at the High Court, tablets for 400 state law officers and continued investment in court infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, Adityanath said the government would extend full cooperation if a proposal is submitted through the Chief Justice for providing furniture and equipment needed for the maintenance of chambers allotted to more than 10,000 advocates at the High Court.
The Chief Minister said around ₹700 crore has already been spent on facilities for more than 10,000 advocates, including chambers, a multi-level parking facility, dining hall, common room and library.
Advocates’ Welfare Fund Increased to ₹5 Lakh
Yogi also highlighted changes made to the Advocate Welfare Fund. The assistance available under the fund has been increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh. The age limit for financial assistance to the family of a deceased advocate has also been raised from 60 to 70 years.
Separate funds have been provided for the construction of advocate chambers in around a dozen districts, including Kaushambi, Lucknow, Kasganj and Shravasti.
Calling advocates an important part of the country’s intellectual community, Adityanath said the legal fraternity had contributed to India’s freedom movement, Constitution-making, strengthening democratic institutions and nation-building.
He described the Bar and Bench as two essential pillars of the justice system and stressed the importance of mutual respect, dialogue, coordination and cooperation between them. He added that meetings between the Chief Minister and Chief Justice also take up issues concerning advocates, apart from matters directly related to the judiciary.
Integrated Court Complexes to Include Chambers and Affordable Canteens
The Chief Minister said Uttar Pradesh was continuing to upgrade judicial infrastructure. In 10 districts where courts had earlier been functioning from rented premises, work on integrated court complexes has progressed.
These complexes are planned to include facilities such as residential accommodation for judicial officers, advocates’ chambers, sports facilities, indoor stadiums and affordable canteens for lawyers.
For faster disposal of cases, the government has also approved the creation of 900 courts at the district level in the first phase, he said.
State Law Officers to Receive Tablets
Yogi said the fees paid to law officers representing the state in district courts, the High Court and the Supreme Court have been increased by more than 50%.
The government will also provide tablets to 400 state law officers. The devices are expected to help them access information related to government cases before courts through digital platforms and improve the efficiency of their work.
Yogi Calls for a Future-Ready Legal Profession
The Chief Minister said advocates had played an important role in the transition to three new criminal laws and would need to continue upgrading their skills as technology and society evolve.
He identified areas such as cybercrime, artificial intelligence, data privacy, digital commerce, fintech, intellectual property and climate litigation as emerging fields requiring greater legal expertise.
According to Yogi, lawyers must understand changes taking place not only in technology but also in the economy and society. He said a “future-ready Bar” would be essential for building a justice system capable of responding to emerging challenges.
Faster Justice Key to Public Trust
Adityanath said public confidence remains the justice system’s greatest strength and that timely justice is essential to maintaining that trust. Citizens, he said, should be assured of a fair hearing, equal treatment and transparency in the legal process.
He also pointed to the growing use of technology in the state’s justice system. District courts and prisons have been equipped with high-speed internet and video-conferencing facilities, while the Nyay Shruti system has enabled virtual testimony in courts.
The government is also accelerating the scanning and digitisation of court documents. Better coordination between police and prosecution, along with online prosecution systems, is intended to help ensure that charge sheets and scientific evidence reach courts on time.
Chief Justice Thanks State Government
Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali said the Bar Association was an integral part of the High Court and acknowledged the contribution of advocates to strengthening democracy.
He welcomed the expansion of facilities such as chambers, buildings and parking for advocates and thanked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the support. He also urged young lawyers to take forward the legacy of the Bar and High Court while continuing to serve the public.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya described the occasion as significant for Prayagraj, which he said represented both the Sangam and the cause of justice. He highlighted the role of local advocates in defending democratic values and said the government was working to improve the “ease of justice.”
Maurya also referred to the replacement of older colonial-era laws under the Narendra Modi government and said the state’s approach was to ensure that innocent people are not harassed while those responsible for crimes are held accountable.
