The Supreme Court has issued notice to the UP Bar Council for demanding Rs 14,000 from new advocates under “certificate of practice,” calling it a clear conflict with its 2024 ruling in Gaurav Kumar v. Union of India. The Court said Bar Councils cannot charge beyond the statutory enrolment fee.
Today, On 24th February, The Supreme Court refused to hear a plea challenging the Rs.3,500 fee for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). The court noted that it has already set limits on enrolment fees charged by State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India (BCI). Imposing more restrictions could financially strain these bodies. The ruling highlights the necessity of maintaining bar councils’ financial stability.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) approached the Supreme Court for permission to increase enrolment fees, saying it is facing a financial crisis. In July 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that State Bar Councils and the BCI cannot charge fees above the limit set by the Advocates Act. The BCI claims that the current fee limit is making it difficult for them to work properly. They have requested higher fees to improve their financial situation.
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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 Supreme Court of India has taken the initiative to transfer to itself the petitions currently pending in the High Courts of Kerala, Madras, and Bombay. These petitions challenge the enrolment fee charged by State Bar Councils. The order was passed by a bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha, and Justice Manoj Misra, […]
