The Supreme Court has ruled that State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India (BCI) cannot collect any amount beyond the statutory enrolment fee under Section 24(1)(f) of the Advocates Act, 1961. A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan made it clear that there is “nothing like optional” when it comes to such charges, directing Karnataka State Bar Council to immediately stop collecting ₹6,800–₹25,000 in additional “voluntary” fees for ID cards, certificates, welfare funds and training.
The Court was hearing a contempt petition alleging non-compliance with its July 2024 ruling in Gaurav Kumar v Union of India, which capped enrolment fees at ₹750 for general category candidates and ₹125 for SC/ST candidates. The Bench rejected the BCI’s defence that these extra amounts were optional, stressing that no sum over the prescribed limit can be demanded, except applicable stamp duty.
The Court warned all State Bar Councils to comply strictly with the ruling, reiterating that the prohibition on extra charges applies prospectively but is binding on all going forward.
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