Delhi High Court Seeks BCI, Centre’s Reply on Bar Poll Fee Hike

The Delhi High Court sought responses from the Bar Council of India and the Central Government on a petition challenging the fivefold increase in nomination fees for State Bar Council elections from ₹25,000 to ₹1,25,000.

The petitioner argued that the hike was arbitrary, unreasonable, and violative of Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution, as it limits participation to financially privileged advocates and undermines the democratic spirit of Bar elections.

The petitioners contended that such a hike discourages genuine candidates from contesting. The Court directed the respondents to file counter-affidavits and listed the matter for further hearing in December.

[Pramod Kumar Singh v Bar Council of India & Ors]