The Supreme Court on August 25, 2025, issued a notice on a writ petition alleging that the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh (UPBC) is charging ₹14,000 in the name of a certificate of practice. The petitioner claimed this demand violates the Supreme Court’s ruling in Gaurav Kumar v. Union of India (2024).
Background of the Issue
In the Gaurav Kumar case, the Supreme Court had made it clear that State Bar Councils cannot collect enrolment fees beyond what is prescribed under Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961. As per the Act:
- For general category advocates, the enrolment fee cannot exceed ₹750.
- For Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes advocates, the limit is ₹125.
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The Court had earlier ruled that Bar Councils cannot impose any additional or optional fees apart from the statutory enrolment fee.
The petition was filed by Deepak Yadav, a practising advocate, against the Bar Council of India and the UP Bar Council. His counsel pointed out that:
- Before the Gaurav Kumar judgment, the UP Bar Council was charging ₹16,500 for enrolment.
- Despite the Court’s directions, the UPBC has now reduced it only to ₹14,000, disguising it as a fee for a certificate of practice.
- The counsel also presented an official communication of the UPBC, which clearly showed this demand.
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The matter first came up before a bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan. Initially, the bench questioned why such petitions were repeatedly being filed even after a clear judgment had already been given.
However, after reviewing the UP Bar Council’s communication, the Court noted a prima facie violation of its earlier ruling.
“The issue raised in this writ petition has been set at rest by the decision in Gaurav Kumar dated 30 July, 2024. He has brought to our notice a communication dated 20 July, 2025, which prima facie is in direct conflict with the directions issued in Gaurav. Issue notice.” – Supreme Court
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Recently, another bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan had clarified that neither the Bar Council of India nor State Bar Councils are permitted to collect any additional fees as an “optional fee” during enrolment.
Case Details
Case Title: Deepak Yadav vs. Bar Council of India
Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 774/2025
