Section 16 in High Court of Andhra Pradesh Family Courts (Court) Rules, 2005
16. Appointment of Legal Aid and Amicus Curiae.
(a)Proceedings before the Court shall be taken up in the presence of the parties, and a legal practitioner on either side shall be allowed to appear only as amicus curiae, if the Court finds it necessary in the interest of justice.(b)(1) Appearance of Legal Practitioners or Advocates in the Family Court: - Notwithstanding anything contained in law, for the time being in force, no party to a suit or proceeding before a family court shall be entitled as of right to be represented by a Legal Practitioner or Advocate. Provided that if the Family considers it necessary in the interest of justice, it may seek assistance of a legal expert as amicus curiae.Explanation. - It does not preclude the family court from granting permission in the exercise of its discretion, where the circumstances justify, to a party to be represented by Legal Practitioner or Advocate.(2)Appointment of Amicus Curiae: - A Judge will maintain a panel of legal experts as Amicus Curiae. At least a panel of five Amicus Curiae will be maintained by each court. Panel of Amicus Curiae will be maintained out of legal experts and also from the retired Judges of local area who have expertise in the field. The Amicus Curiae shall be paid a fee by the State Governments in a case or proceeding which may be determined by the Court not exceeding Rs. 500/- per day.(3)Party entitled to free legal advice: - A party will be entitled to take legal advice at any stage of the proceedings before the Court. A party in indigent circumstances will be entitled to free legal aid and advice from the State Legal Services Authority in accordance rules made thereunder by the State.(4)Panel of Lawyers for free legal advice: - The Court shall maintain a panel of lawyers willing to render free legal aid and advice. A party entitled to free legal aid and advice will be entitled to select any of the lawyers from the said panel provided the lawyer is available and willing to accept the case.
