The Telangana High Court has issued notice on a petition challenging the recent amendment to Section 12(2) of the Telangana Advocates' Clerks Welfare Fund Act, 2025, which increased the Vakalatnama fee from ₹100 to ₹250.

The petitioner, a first-generation lawyer, contended that the steep hike places an undue financial burden on litigants and threatens the constitutional right to access justice, especially for the poor.

Relying on Anita Kushwaha v. Pushap Sudan(2016) and Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, the plea argues that the amendment violates the fundamental right to approach courts.

A division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul has directed the state to respond within four weeks.