SC Issue Notices To State Bar Councils On Plea Challenging Non-Uniform And High Enrolment Fees

The Supreme Court issued notices to state bar councils on Monday in response to a petition challenging the non-uniform and high enrolment fees collected by several state bar councils.

A bench comprising of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha, and Justice JB Pardiwala stated that the subject was serious and therefore, allow the petitioner the liberty to serve a copy of the case on the Bar Council of India (BCI) as well.

“This is a significant issue. It says enrollment fees is a violation of Section 24 of Advocates Act and that BCI should ensure exorbitant enrollment fees should not be charged,” the bench directed.

The Court also took note of petitioner Gaurav Kumar’s submission about the substantial disparity in enrolment fees among states.

“Petitioner says it is 42,000 in Odisha whereas 20,000 in Kerala and thus denies lawyers the opportunity who do not have the resources,” the bench opined.

“Issue notice. Liberty to serve the Bar Council of India,” the bench stated.

The BCI recently notified the Punjab and Haryana High Court that it would take the required steps to address the issue of excessive enrolment fees charged by State Bar Councils.

The Kerala High Court is also hearing a petition from ten law graduates challenging the Bar Council of Kerala’s enrolment fees of more than 15,000 rupees.