Supreme Court Warns State Bar Councils against Charging "Optional" Enrolment Fees
The Supreme Court made it clear that State Bar Councils and the Bar Council of India (BCI) cannot collect any amount beyond the statutory enrolment fee.
A Bench of Justices J. B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan said that there could be no justification for collecting any fee by describing it as "optional" fees outside the statutory prescription.
Pertinently, the Court also directed Karnataka State Bar Council to immediately stop collecting any sum in the name of optional fees.
This was after the Bench was informed that Karnataka imposes additional charges of Rs. 6,800 and Rs. 25,000 for items such as ID cards, certificates, welfare fund and training, though on a voluntary basis.
Sikkim CM Launches 'Nari Adalat' on 1st Amma Samman Diwas to Empower Women in Local Justice
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang launched 'Nari Adalat' on the occasion of the first Amma Samman Diwas at Rongpo. 'Nari Adalat' is a community-based forum run by women to provide accessible and informal justice, especially in rural and semi-urban areas of Sikkim.
The primary aim of 'Nari Adalat' is to offer a supportive, non-intimidating environment where conflicts can be resolved locally. It focuses on minor disputes such as family disagreements, non-severe domestic violence cases, marital issues, among others. Unlike regular courts, which involve formal legal procedures, official judges, and lengthy processes, 'Nari Adalat' works in a flexible and dialogue-based manner.
Aug 10, 2025
Punjab To Become First State to Empanel Sign Language Experts under Juvenile Justice Act
In a move to make the judicial system more inclusive, the Punjab government will become the first state in India to formally empanel sign language interpreters, translators, and special educators under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The initiative will also extend to cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The announcement was made by Baljit Kaur, Punjab's Minister for Social Security. The decision aims to bridge communication gaps and strengthen access to justice and rights for children with speech or hearing impairments.
Aug 03, 2025
Bombay High Court to Get New Bench in Kolhapur
The Bombay High Court will get a new bench at Kolhapur district in western Maharashtra, which will be the fourth HC bench in the state, and its sittings will commence from August 18.
A notification in this regard was issued by High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe.
The notification came amid demands from various quarters over the years for a bench at Kolhapur so as to ease the burden on litigants and lawyers who have to travel to Mumbai, around 380km away, for hearing of their pleas.
Jul 31, 2025
Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee Made Permanent Judge of Meghalaya High Court
The Central government appointed additional judge Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee of the Meghalaya High Court as a permanent judge.
The Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and comprising Justices Surya Kant and Vikram Nath had recommended his name in its meeting held in July.
Justice Bhattacharjee began his legal practice in 1993, handling a wide range of matters including civil, criminal, service and constitutional cases.
He served as a Government Advocate in the High Court from April 2002 to December 2012. Later, he held the position of Additional Advocate General for the State of Meghalaya and was designated as Senior Advocate in September 2021.
He was sworn in as an additional judge of the High Court of Meghalaya on August 1, 2023.
Jul 24, 2025
Centre Clears Appointment of 3 Judicial Officers as Delhi High Court Judges
The Union Government has notified the appointment of three judicial officers as the judges of the Delhi High Court. The judicial officers are: Mr. Vinod Kumar- Ms. Shail Jain and Ms. Madhu Jain, taking its working strength to 43 against the sanctioned 60. The announcement was by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal.
The three officers, who joined the Delhi Judicial Service in 1992, were serving as principal district and sessions judges at various trial courts prior to their elevation.