The Ministry of Law & Justice has officially revised the fee structure for Central Government Counsel across all courts and tribunals, effective from February 1, 2026. This long-awaited hike covers panel counsel in the Supreme Court, High Courts, Tribunals, District Courts, and Arbitration Panels, with retainerships and per-hearing fees significantly increased.
Key Highlights of the Fee Revision
Supreme Court (Group A, B & C Counsel)
- Final hearing (per case per day): Rs.21,600 (Group A), Rs.14,400 (Group B & C)
- Admission matters (SLP/TP, writs, misc.): Rs.14,400 (Group A), Rs.7,200 (Group B & C)
- Settling pleadings: Rs.8,400 (Group A)
- Drafting SLP/Counter Affidavit/Rejoinder: Rs.4,800 (Group B & C)
- Daily fee for services outside HQ: Rs.21,600 (Group A), Rs.14,400 (Group B & C)
High Courts & Tribunals (Except Bombay & Calcutta Principal Benches)
- Retainership for Deputy Solicitors General: Rs.14,400 per month
- Effective hearing: Rs.14,400 (Dy. SG, Sr. CGSC, CGSC, SPC), Rs.3,600 (CGC, Addl. CGSC, GP)
- Non-effective hearing: Rs.2,400 (senior category), Rs.720 (junior category)
- Drafting pleadings: Rs.2,160
- Conference fee: Rs.1,440 (senior), Rs.720 (junior)
Bombay & Calcutta Principal Benches (High Courts, CAT & Tribunals)
- Suits, Appeals, Writs, Criminal matters (per day effective hearing):
- Special Counsel: Rs.14,400
- Senior Counsel Group I: Rs.9,600
- Senior Counsel Group II: Rs.6,000
- Junior Counsel: Rs.2,880
- Drafting pleadings: Rs.4,800 (Special Counsel), Rs.2,880 (Senior I), Rs.2,400 (Senior II), Rs.1,680 (Junior)
District & Subordinate Courts
- Retainership (Standing Govt. Counsel): Rs.9,600 per month
- Effective hearing: Rs.2,880 per case per day
- Non-effective hearing: Rs.960 per case per day (max 5 hearings)
- Drafting written statements/appeals: Rs.2,400
- Conference fee: Rs.1,440 (max 5 per case)
- Daily fee outside HQ: Rs.3,600
Arbitration Panels
- Effective hearing: Rs.3,600 (Senior), Rs.2,400 (Junior)
- Non-effective hearing: Rs.720 (Senior), Rs.480 (Junior)
- Drafting pleadings: Rs.2,400 (Senior), Rs.1,200 (Junior)
- Conference fee: Rs.720 (Senior), Rs.480 (Junior)
- Daily fee outside HQ: Rs.4,800 (Senior), Rs.3,600 (Junior)
Policy Context & Minister’s Assurance
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the hike during the 17th National Conference of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad at Balotra, Rajasthan. He assured advocates that:
- Timely payment of fees will be ensured, addressing long-standing delays.
- A new Insurance Scheme for Advocates is being introduced, covering medical and accident risks.
- The Advocates’ Protection Act is under consideration by the Law Commission.
Why This Matters
- First major revision since 2011 for many categories, aligning counsel fees with inflation and workload.
- Uniform applicability across Supreme Court, High Courts, Tribunals, District Courts, and Arbitration.
- Boosts morale and financial security of government panel counsel, ensuring better representation for the Union of India.
- Boosts morale and financial security of government panel counsel, ensuring better representation for the Union of India.
