On July 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India directed Senior Advocate Manan Mishra, who is also the Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), to appear in court and assist in determining whether State Bar Councils (SBCs) are complying with the apex court's July 30, 2024 judgment that prohibits charging excessive enrollment fees from law graduates.
The directive came during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by K. L. J. A. Kiran Babu, appearing in person, alleging non-compliance by various SBCs. The matter was heard by a bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan.
The petitioner, when questioned about his locus standi, stated that “any person can move a contempt petition”. However, the bench refrained from issuing a formal notice at this stage.
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“For the present, we are not inclined to issue notice. However, we would like to know from the Bar Council of India whether the directions issued in the main judgment i.e., para 109 are being complied with in their letter and spirit or not. We request Mr. Manan Mishra, the learned counsel, who also happens to be the Chairman of the Bar Council of India, to appear in this matter and assist us,”— Supreme Court Order, July 15, 2025
The court scheduled the next hearing on August 8, asking Mishra to confirm whether the directions laid down in paragraph 109 of the Gaurav Kumar v. Union of India ruling have been followed.
The 2024 judgment clearly stated that:
“a. The SBCs cannot charge 'enrolment fees' beyond the express legal stipulation under Section 24(1)(f) as it currently stands;”
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“b. SBCs and BCI cannot demand any additional fee apart from the prescribed enrolment fee and stamp duty, if applicable;”
“c. Charging extra fees violates Article 14 and Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution;”
“d. The decision will apply prospectively, and excess fees collected before the judgment are not required to be refunded.”
As per Section 24 of the Advocates Act, 1961, the maximum enrollment fee allowed is Rs. 750 for general category advocates and Rs. 125 for those belonging to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes.
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Despite the ruling, complaints continue regarding SBCs demanding higher amounts, raising concerns about accessibility to the legal profession, especially for students from economically weaker sections.
Notably, earlier this year, the BCI filed an application before the Supreme Court seeking to increase the enrollment fees to Rs. 25,000, a move still pending decision.
The court’s direction to the BCI Chairman is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in how Bar Councils implement judicial directives that directly impact thousands of aspiring lawyers across the country.
Case Title: K. L. J. A. Kiran Babu v. Karnataka State Bar Council Represented by Ramesh S Naik (FDA)
Diary No.: 16629-2025 PIL-W