Lucknow: The UP advocate compensation scheme has come under focus after the Allahabad High Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to consider increasing financial assistance given to the dependents of deceased advocates. The Court noted that the compensation amount has remained unchanged for many years despite a significant increase in the scheme’s corpus fund.
The direction came while hearing a petition filed by a widow seeking compensation under the state’s Financial Assistance Scheme for Advocates. The Court also expressed concern over delays in processing applications and asked authorities to improve the system.
UP Advocate Compensation Scheme: What Did The Allahabad High Court Say
A Division Bench of Justice Ajit Kumar and Justice Garima Prashad observed that the compensation payable to dependents of deceased advocates was fixed at ₹5 lakh in 2015. The Court noted that while the scheme’s corpus fund has reportedly grown to around ₹330 crore, the compensation amount has not been revised. Therefore, the State government should examine whether the financial assistance can be increased.
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The Bench directed the government to submit an affidavit explaining the amount it proposes to enhance under the scheme.
Court’s Message To The State Government
According to the Court, the government should take a fresh look at the compensation structure and provide a clear response before the next hearing. The Bench also indicated that if a proper affidavit is not filed, it may take a serious view of the matter.
Background Of The Case
The case was filed by Jyotima, the widow of an advocate, who sought compensation under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Advocates.
She applied for financial aid in 2020. However, the compensation was reportedly sanctioned only in 2025, leading to a significant delay.
The Court had earlier sought an explanation from the Uttar Pradesh Advocate Welfare Fund Trustee Society regarding the reasons behind the delay in disbursing financial assistance.
UP Advocate Compensation Scheme: Court Expresses Concern Over Pending Applications
During the hearing, the Court was informed that many applications remain pending because of incomplete documentation and verification issues. Authorities told the Court that applications are routed through the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh, and deficiencies in paperwork often result in delays.
More Than 1,200 Applications Pending
The Court was informed that around 1,207 applications are pending due to various deficiencies and compliance-related issues. The Bench questioned why applications were being forwarded without proper verification and supporting documents.
Court Criticises Verification Delays
The High Court observed that the Bar Council already maintains records of registered advocates. Therefore, it said that applications should be properly verified before being forwarded for financial assistance. This would help avoid unnecessary delays and speed up payments to eligible families.
Affidavit Sought From Bar Council
The Court directed the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh to submit an affidavit detailing measures that can be adopted to ensure faster processing of compensation applications in the future.
Financial Challenges Faced By The Trust
The Court also reviewed the financial condition of the trust responsible for making compensation payments. It was informed that compensation is currently being paid mainly from the interest generated on the corpus fund rather than from the principal amount.
According to the Court’s observations, the annual interest generated may not be sufficient to clear all pending claims within the current financial year.
UP Advocate Compensation Scheme: State Assistance May Be Required
The Bench stated that the trust may have to use part of its corpus fund or seek additional financial support from the Uttar Pradesh government. The Court directed the trust to approach the State government within 30 days for additional assistance if required.
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FAQs
Dependents of deceased advocates currently receive ₹5 lakh under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Advocates.
The Court noted that compensation has remained at ₹5 lakh since 2015 even though the welfare fund corpus has increased significantly.
The Court was informed that around 1,207 applications are pending because of documentation and verification-related deficiencies.
