On 3rd June (Wednesday), a proposal to raise the monthly retainer and appearance fees for the Advocate General and other attorneys representing the state government in the Supreme Court, High Court and district courts was approved by the Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh. The government last revised government counsel retainerships and fees over a decade ago. The state Law Department drafted the recommendation. The move has been lauded by the community of government counsels.
The lawyers released a statement and highlighted that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken action to ensure that the state’s interests were effectively represented in court. They asserted that development satisfied a long-held expectation of the legal community. According to the statement, the decision sought to improve the judicial system’s efficacy, accountability and focus on outcomes rather than just raising fees. It would guarantee prompt and high-quality legal representation of governmental issues.
They added that CM Yogi authorised a rise in retainership and per-hearing costs of up to 50% and acknowledged the proposal of periodic and need-based revision. This will boost the morale of government legal professionals, increase the success rate of representation in significant state cases and make it possible for the government to present its case in court with more vigour and professionalism.
The advocates thanked CM Yogi, stating that the government has implemented a major step in supporting the legal system while also recognising and appreciating the contribution of the legal community. They added that it showcased the government’s dedication to upholding good governance, safeguarding state interests and guaranteeing the effective execution of justice.
The decision, according to Uttar Pradesh’s attorney general and his team, is a historic step that will bolster the state’s legal representation and enhance the calibre and efficacy of government cases in courts.
According to Advocate General Ajay Mishra there has long been a need to update the compensation system in light of the evolving judicial landscape, an increase in the volume of cases, complicated legal challenges, and the growing duties of lawyers. He informed that modifications at the advocate general level occurred after almost 14 years and the fees of advocates serving in district courts had been updated after approximately 10 years, demonstrating the state government’s sensitivity and foresight.
Those who will benefit from the decision include advocate general, chief standing counsels, additional advocates general (Supreme Court and at Allahabad and Lucknow benches of the High Court), standing counsels, additional government advocates, district government counsels, additional district government counsels, assistant district government counsels, deputy district government counsels, panel lawyers, and judicial, finance, civil and criminal lawyers.
