The Uttar Pradesh government has issued an order revising the fee structure for government advocates following Cabinet approval. Under the new arrangement, retainership fees and appearance fees for advocates representing the state in district courts, the High Court, and the Supreme Court have been increased. The government stated that the move is aimed at strengthening the quality and effectiveness of legal services.
The demand for a revision of fees for government advocates had been raised for several years. Citing evolving judicial processes, a growing number of cases, and increasing complexity in legal work, the state government has introduced significant changes to the fee structure. The revised rates cover both retainership and appearance fees for government advocates working at various levels.
According to the government, the revised structure is expected to encourage experienced advocates and help ensure effective representation of government cases. Advocates representing the state from district courts to the High Court and the Supreme Court will benefit from the new system.
Under the order, District Government Advocates will now receive a retainership fee of Rs 14,000 per month along with an appearance fee of Rs 2,500 per working day. Additional District Government Advocates will receive a monthly retainership fee of Rs 11,000 and an appearance fee of Rs 2,300 per working day.
The government has also revised the fees of Assistant and Deputy District Government Advocates. While payments will vary according to category, the revised rates are expected to directly benefit advocates handling government litigation at the district level. The decision follows long-standing demands for a fee increase.
A new fee structure has also been implemented for Chief Standing Counsel and Public Prosecutors serving in the High Court. They will now receive a retainership fee of Rs 35,000 per month and an appearance fee of Rs 12,000 per working day. Additional Chief Standing Counsel will receive a monthly retainership fee of Rs 20,000 and an appearance fee of Rs 8,000 per working day. The government has also revised remuneration for other categories of government advocates, resulting in higher earnings for those representing the state before the High Court.
For the Advocate General, the state’s highest legal officer, the retainership fee has been fixed at Rs 1.25 lakh per month. In addition, an appearance fee of Rs 60,000 per working day will be paid. The revision has been made keeping in view the responsibilities and workload associated with the position.
Fees for Additional Advocate Generals have also been increased. They will receive an appearance fee of Rs 40,000 per working day for cases argued in the High Court and Rs 50,000 per working day for appearances in the Supreme Court. Advocates serving as Advocates-on-Record in the Supreme Court will receive a retainership fee of Rs 30,000 per month and an appearance fee of Rs 15,000 per day.
The government has also fixed maximum fee limits for special and senior panel advocates. It stated that the revised fee structure is expected to improve the quality of government litigation, encourage experienced lawyers to take up government cases, and strengthen the state’s representation before courts.
