On 30 July 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the enrollment fee for advocates must not exceed Rs. 750 for those in the general category and Rs. 125 for those in the SC/ST categories.

The Court unequivocally stated that State Bar Councils are prohibited from charging any amount beyond these specified limits under the guise of “miscellaneous fees” or other charges. Both the State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India are restricted from demanding any sum beyond the amount stipulated under Section 24(1)(f) of the Advocates Act for admitting advocates to the roll.

According to Section 24(1)(f) of the Advocates Act of 1961, the enrollment fee payable to the State Bar Council is Rs. 600 and Rs. 150 towards the Bar Council of India for general category advocates. For SC/ST category advocates, the respective amounts are Rs. 100 and Rs. 25.

The Supreme Court emphasized that since the Parliament has prescribed the enrollment fee, the Bar Councils cannot deviate from these statutory limits.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court declared that this judgment would have a prospective effect only, meaning that the Bar Councils are not obligated to refund the enrollment fees collected in excess of the statutory amounts prior to this ruling.