Kerala Notifies Advocates’ Welfare Fund (Amendment) Act, 2026; Changes Trustee Committee Structure

The Government of Kerala notified the Kerala Advocates' Welfare Fund (Amendment) Act, 2026, which came into force on March 9, amending provisions of the Kerala Advocates' Welfare Fund Act, 1980.

The amendment changes the composition of the Welfare Fund Trustee Committee by increasing government-nominated members from one to two and providing that the Secretary of the Committee will be appointed by the government instead of the Bar Council.

It also expands the investment options for the Welfare Fund, allowing funds to be invested in government bonds, pension schemes, and insurance schemes for advocates, with prior government approval.