Headline
The Bar Council of India Seeks permission of the Supreme Court of India to increase enrolment fee.
Summary
The Bar Council of India BCI) has filed an application in the Supreme Court of India seeking guidelines to amend the Advocates Act, 1961, to enhance the enrollment fee from Rs. 750 to Rs. 25,000. The plea stems from financial restrictions faced by Bar Councils due to the fee cap upheld in the case of Gaurav Kumar v. Union of India (2024).
Key Facts
- Case Name: Bar Council of India v. Gaurav Kumar & Ors.
- Judges Name: Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Manoj Misra.
- The Bar Council Of India (BCI) seeks an enrollment fee of Rs 25000 for general candidates,for SC/ST candidates of Rs 10000, and an additional fund fee of Rs. 6,250 and Rs. 2,500, respectively.
- Inflation data shown in the application estimates the fee should be Rs. 50,000 as per current valuation.
- The Supreme Court of India questioned the approach of BCI in seeking judicial interference for a legislative amendment.
Legal Insights
Justice Narasimha observed that amendments done to the Advocates Act are a legislative matter, not judicial. He condemned the BCI for diminishing its position as the regulator of legal professionals.
Impact
If granted, the fee enhancement will address the financial crunch of Bar Councils, by making sure of better regulatory functions.
Why It Matters
The plea shows the financial problems faced by Bar Councils due to outdated statutory limits, raising questions about the role of the judiciary in legislative matters.
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