Rajasthan HC Petition Challenges 2020 Amendments To Advocates Welfare Fund Act, Alleging Excessive Burden

A petition has been filed before the Rajasthan High Court challenging amendments made in 2020 to the Rajasthan Advocates Welfare Fund Act, 1987, alleging that they impose an excessive financial burden on advocates without proportionate welfare benefits.

The petitioner highlighted steep increases in vakalatnama stamp duty and membership fees, along with extended qualifying periods for maximum retirement benefits, arguing that these measures undermine the welfare purpose of the Act

It was contended that the amendments are arbitrary, exclude young advocates from accessing benefits, and compel even non-members to contribute through welfare stamps. 

The Court has been urged to declare the provisions unconstitutional or direct reconsideration of the compensation structure.

[Satish Kumar Khandal v. State of Rajasthan & Anr.]