Punjab & Haryana HC directs Bar Council of India to address AIBE fee concerns [Read Order]

Punjab: The Punjab & Haryana High Court has issued a significant directive regarding the fee structure of the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel addressed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Tushar Tanwar, challenging the excessive fees charged by the Bar Council of India (BCI) for conducting the examination.

Punjab & Haryana High Court Orders Bar Council of India to Review AIBE Fees

The court noted, “The petitioner has challenged a separate examination fee of ₹3,500 for General/OBC candidates and ₹2,500 for SC/ST candidates, in addition to the registration fee, arguing that no enabling provision under the statute empowers the Bar Council of India to impose such a charge.”

In his petition, the petitioner emphasized the need for compliance with existing legal provisions, including Section 24(1)(f) of the Advocates Act, 1961, and constitutional provisions under Articles 14 and 19(1)(g). He also contended that the current fee structure appears arbitrary and contrary to previous judicial pronouncements, including a Supreme Court judgment in W.P. (C) No. 352/2023.

AIBE Fee Structure Challenged: HC Seeks Response from Bar Council of India

Addressing concerns over the examination fees, the court observed, “On examining the representation made by the petitioner dated 02.03.2025, we find that the matter requires consideration by the Bar Council of India.”

While declining to interfere on the merits at this stage, the court directed the Bar Council of India to carefully examine the representation and provide a reasoned response within 30 days of receiving the order.

Mr. Ashutosh Gupta appeared for the respondent, the Bar Council of India, while Mr. Tushar Tanwar appeared in person.

Case Title: Tushar Tanwar vs. Bar Council of India

[Read Order]