Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by News Desk
Madras high court recently dismissed the petition seeking reduction in the fees of All India Bar Examination (AIBE) conducted by Bar Council of India (BCI), on the grounds that there are no statutory provisions prescribing or regulating such fees.
Chief Justice R Mahadevan and Justice GR Swaminathan, was hearing the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Gokul Abhimanyu seeking directions to the BCI to reduce the AIBE application fee.
Advocate M Pozhilan appeared for the petitioner Gokul Abhimanyu and Deputy Solicitor General of India K Govindarajan appeared for the respondent Union government and the BCI.
The court contended that the current application fees which is rs. 3,500 is not an exorbitant amount.
“if we find the quantum of fee to be exorbitant, we would be justified in interfering with the same. But such is not the case. What is demanded from the applicants is only a sum of Rs.3,500/-. It cannot be said to be high.” The court said.
It further mentioned that there is no provision or law prescribing the examination fee and therefore there is no ground to interfere. “Unlike in the case of enrolment fee, there is no statutory provision which prescribes any particular sum towards examination fee. A Writ of Mandamus can be issued only if the applicant can show the existence of a legal right. In this case, no such legal right has beenshown.” the court said.
written by Shagun Behal
