A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala today issued notices and sought responses from State Bar Councils on a plea challenging the non-uniform and exorbitant enrolment fees collected by different State Bar Councils.

The Supreme Court said that the issue is an important issue and, therefore, granted petitioner the liberty to serve a copy of the petition on Bar Council of India as well.

The bench said "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 Court further noted petitioner Gaurav Kumar's submission as regards the stark difference in enrolment fees across States.

The court observed orally that "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".

Case details:-

W.P.(C) No. 352/2023
GAURAV KUMAR PETITIONER-IN-PERSON
Versus
UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.