New Delhi, Apr 15 (IANS): The Bar Council of Delhi (BCD), here on Wednesday, resolved to provide financial assistance to advocates in need and released Rs 2.31 crore for it amid the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It had invited applications through email up to April 2, 2020 from advocates enrolled with the BCD.

"During the lockdown, when everyone is confined to their homes, the BCD received several applications and on scrutiny found 4,639 in order.

"As per the unanimous decision to pay Rs 5,000 to each advocate, Rs 2,31,95,000 is being disbursed to their bank accounts through NEFT. Necessary documentation and instructions have been issued to HDFC Bank," said K.C. Mittal, BCD Chairman.

Mittal said he had given a cheque of Rs 50,000 to the BCD for welfare purposes. "It's our endeavour to stand with our sister and brother advocates in such difficult time, " he said.

Mittal also urged all BCD members, senior advocates and other senior colleagues at the Bar to generously contribute for the advocates' welfare.

"All of us who are settled and have means, particularly wellknown senior advocates, may consider it their primary responsibility towards their fellow colleagues in the profession and to generously donate to help them in the crisis," the BCD Chairman said.