Supreme Court Bans Exorbitant Fees by State Bar Councils for Enrolment

The Supreme Court has ruled that state bar councils cannot charge exorbitant fees for enrolling law graduates as lawyers. It stated that such fees perpetuate systemic discrimination against marginalized and economically weaker sections. The ruling mandates the councils to adhere to fiscal policies laid down by Parliament, limiting the fees to Rs 650 and Rs 125 for general and SC-ST categories respectively.

The Supreme Court has mandated that state bar councils cannot impose exorbitant fees for enrolling law graduates as lawyers, marking a significant move against 'systemic discrimination' that affects marginalized and economically weaker sections.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, heading the bench, emphasized that state bar councils (SBCs) and the Bar Council of India (BCI) must adhere to the fiscal policy set by Parliament, and cannot modify it. According to the Advocates Act, 1961, the enrolment fees are capped at Rs 650 for general category and Rs 125 for SC-ST category law graduates.

Highlighting instances of excessive fees in various states, the Supreme Court's verdict underscored that charging high enrolment fees undermines the right to dignity and the ability to pursue a profession. The decision will apply prospectively and calls for SBCs to ensure no enrollment fees exceed legal stipulations.