Report No. 62

7.23 & 7.24. Procedure for grant of legal aid.-

We may note that the Committee on Legal Aid has also made a recommendation1 as to legal aid in proceedings under the Workmen's Compensation Act. We apprehend, however, that implementation of the Report will take time, because that Report contemplates a comprehensive scheme. In the meantime, it is necessary to make some provision in the Workmen's Compensation Act as to legal aid.

We hope that our recommendations will be implemented at an early date.

1. Report of the Expert Committee on Legal Aid, 1973, Chapter 8.

7.25. We are of the view that so far as proceedings before the Commissioner are concerned, there should be at least one legal practitioner in each Commissioner's office, who should conduct cases on behalf of workmen and dependants. He should be appointed by the State Government. As regards proceedings before the High Court, the High Court should assign an Advocate ad hoc at the expense of the State, if the workman is qualified for legal and under our scheme.