The members of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) will soon have a group insurance scheme created with a contribution worth Rs 50 crore from the Indian business giants. The contributors who donated fund, include Gautam Adani, Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal, Anil Aggarwal, Kumar Mangalam Birla, and Torrent Group and more. Reportedly Sibal himself approached these business leaders asking for funds.
During the celebration of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Supreme Court of India, where Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai and Justice Surya Kant were also present, SCBA president Kapil Sibal announced the significant development.
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The CJI praised the SCBA for its successful efforts in raising a substantial amount of funds through corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions.
The CJI encouraged other bar associations to pursue innovative ways and provide support to younger lawyers who do not have a financial net to fall back on and support themselves.
He said that in the early years of their careers in litigation, many young lawyers face uncertainty of income, leading many of them to explore other fields to earn money. He emphasised that such initiatives from the bar association can be strong support during this time.
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The group health insurance scheme is underwritten by United India Insurance.
Below are the benefits offered by this insurance coverage:
Comprehensive coverage of Rs 2 lakh per family
The insurance policy will cover the lawyer, parents, and in-laws
Pre-existing diseases will be covered from day 1
Treatment will be cashless across 15,000 hospitals across India
Maternity benefit of Rs 50,000 for both normal and caesarean deliveries for two children
The insurance policy will also provide coverage for internal congenital conditions, LASIK surgery, and ambulance charges.
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CJI highlighted the demanding nature of the job, financial uncertainty, no guarantee of continuous work, and irregular working hours that make the job challenging. Inadvertently, health may take a toll. In such times, a group medical insurance policy can provide support.
A book 'Pillars of Justice' was also launched at the occasion featuring landmark judgements given in the last 75 years. The book contains articles written by young lawyers.
This is a pioneering step and surely will provide support to the legal community with it cashless coverage starting from the first day of enrollment.
