Kerala High Court Orders NCTE to Pay 12L in Pending Legal Fees, Imposes ₹50,000 Cost

The Kerala High Court has allowed a lawyer’s plea for payment of over ₹12 lakh in pending legal fees from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

The Court found NCTE’s refusal to pay “blameworthy” and imposed a cost of ₹50,000 on the agency.

Justice Mohammed Nias C.P. ruled that advocates can seek unpaid fees through writ petitions if no complex factual disputes exist. The case involved fees for 590 cases handled by the petitioner’s late father since 2004.

The Court ordered NCTE to pay the dues within two months and said non-payment undermines the dignity of the legal profession.