![[Breaking] Enrolment Fees for Lawyers Cannot Exceed Rs. 600: Supreme Court Mandates For All State Bar Council](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/WhatsApp-Image-2024-01-27-at-3.05.14-PM.jpeg?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Supreme Court today has mandated that State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India cannot charge lawyers more than Rs 600 for enrolment fees, in accordance with Section 24(1)(f) of the Advocates Act. This decision aims to make the enrolment process accessible and affordable, consistent with the Act. The ruling allows charges for legal aid services, but not during enrolment.
The General Counsels’ Association of India and the Society of Indian Law Firms advocate for statutory recognition and privilege for general counsels in India. With over 50,000 practicing, they seek recognition as legal practitioners under Indian law, emphasizing the need for regulation and amendments to ensure their rights and status. The proposed changes aim to integrate general counsels into the broader legal ecosystem.
Nazir Ahmad Ronga, a senior lawyer in J&K, was detained without an arrest warrant under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The action, reportedly taken on “orders from above,” is linked to his opposition to the abrogation of Article 370. His family expressed shock and distress. This incident highlights the importance of protecting individual freedoms in conflict-prone areas.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed all State Bar Councils to take action against lawyers advertising through online portals, following a judgment by the Madras High Court. BCI specifies strict disciplinary measures and compliance deadlines for online platforms to remove illegal advertisements related to legal services. Failure to comply will result in legal proceedings and penalties.
The Madras High Court dismissed a PIL seeking to reduce the All India Bar Examination fee of Rs. 3,500, stating it is reasonable and not excessive. The court emphasized the absence of statutory provisions regulating the fee and highlighted the judiciary’s role in maintaining the integrity of professional examinations while encouraging ongoing discussions about fairness.
Today, On 11th June, The Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, recently visited the Advocate-on-Record examination hall at the Supreme Court, showing his keen interest in the examination process. Advocate-on-Record (AOR) is crucial for lawyers aiming to file cases directly in the Supreme Court. AORs have the authority to file cases and represent clients in the court, with certain privileges.