BCI Nomination Fee of ₹1.25 Lakh Upheld, Petition Withdrawn: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has declined to hear a petition challenging the Bar Council of India’s rule fixing the nomination fee for its elections at ₹1.25 lakh.

A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi observed that Bar Councils already face difficulties in arranging resources for elections and found no merit in the plea, which claimed the fee restricted participation.

The Court upheld the BCI’s autonomy to regulate its electoral process and allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea.

The Court, while overseeing the conduct of State Bar Council elections, directed the Bar Council of India to ensure their completion by January 31, 2026.

[Manish Jain & Anr. v Bar Council of India & Ors.]