Supreme Court bans excessive fees by state bar associations for registration

The Supreme Court has ruled that state bar associations cannot charge excessive fees for law students to register as lawyers, a major step in the fight against “systemic discrimination” that affects marginalized and economically disadvantaged sections of the population.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who presided over the bench, stressed that the state bar councils (SBCs) and the Bar Council of India (BCI) should adhere to the budgetary policy laid down by Parliament and not alter it. As per the Advocates Act, 1961, the application fee is capped at Rs 650 for general category and Rs 125 for SC-ST law graduates.

The Supreme Court ruling highlighted cases of excessive fees in several states and underscored that charging high registration fees undermines the right to dignity and ability to practice a profession. The decision will apply prospectively and calls on SBCs to ensure that no registration fee exceeds the statutory provisions.

(With input from agencies.)