Patna: Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal received a warm welcome from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Bar Association in Patna on Wednesday, marking the first visit of a Union Law Minister to the tribunal since its inception. The gathering took place in the CAT Bar Association Auditorium at Niyojan Bhawan, where Senior Standing Counsel T.N. Thakur and his team greeted the minister with traditional honors. Thakur noted, “Since CAT’s establishment in 1987, this is the first visit from a Union Law Minister at our invitation. This is a historic occasion for us.” Several senior advocates, including ASG Dr K.N. Singh and State Legal Cell Coordinator Bindhyachal Rai, welcomed Meghwal with shawls and bouquets.
Thakur presented him with the Ashoka Pillar emblem and a ceremonial robe. Advocates raised two primary demands: an increase in remuneration for Government of India counsel and the establishment of an additional CAT bench in Patna. Meghwal listened to the concerns individually and stated that the suggestions had been formally acknowledged, assuring attendees that “prompt action” would follow. Approximately 200 lawyers, including B.D. Singh, Priyanka Rajlaxmi, and Manoj Kumar Singh, participated in the meeting and shared their insights. Meghwal’s visit coincided with his role as Central Co-observer of the BJP Legislative Party, which convened earlier to elect its legislature leader. Advocates expressed hope that the minister’s assurances would lead to tangible improvements in remuneration and infrastructure at CAT Patna.