The government counsel community welcomed Uttar Pradesh Government’s decision to revise the retainership and appearance fees of advocates representing the State in various courts. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Advocate General and the entire legal team described the move as a historic step that will strengthen the State’s legal representation and improve the administration of justice.
Legal Fraternity Hails Long-Awaited Reform
In a statement issued on Friday (May 5), government counsels said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recognised the growing need for effective representation of State interests before courts and took proactive steps to address the issue. Acting on this vision, the State Cabinet approved a significant enhancement in retainership and appearance fees, fulfilling a long-pending demand of advocates representing the government.
The counsels noted that the decision goes beyond a simple fee revision and reflects the government’s commitment to making the judicial system more efficient, responsive, and result-oriented.
Benefits to Extend Across All Levels of Legal Representation
According to the statement, the revised fee structure will benefit a wide range of legal professionals serving the State. These include District Government Counsels, Additional District Government Counsels, Assistant District Government Counsels, Deputy District Government Counsels, Designated Counsels, Special Counsels, and Amicus Curiae in district courts.
The revision will also cover the Advocate General, Additional Advocate Generals, Chief Standing Counsels, Standing Counsels, Government Advocates, Brief Holders, Advocates-on-Record, and various categories of panel counsels representing Uttar Pradesh before the Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench, and the Supreme Court of India.
Revision Comes After Nearly a Decade
Government counsels highlighted that the legal landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, with a rise in litigation, increasingly complex legal matters, and greater responsibilities for advocates.
They said that fees for advocates serving in district courts have revised after nearly ten years, while remuneration at the Advocate General level has been updated after approximately fourteen years. The legal fraternity described the move as a reflection of the State Government’s sensitivity to evolving professional requirements.
Up to 50% Increase in Fees to Boost Morale
The advocates welcomed the government’s decision to adopt the principle of periodic and need-based revisions. Under the approved changes, the State Government has increased retainership and per-hearing fees by up to 50%.
According to the counsels, the enhancement will significantly boost the morale of government advocates, strengthen the quality of legal representation, and help them present the State’s position before courts with greater effectiveness and professionalism.
Commitment to Good Governance and Justice
Expressing their appreciation, government counsels said the State Government has acknowledged the crucial role played by the legal fraternity in protecting public interest and safeguarding State interests.
They added that the decision demonstrates the government’s commitment to good governance, effective administration of justice, and strengthening the judicial system through better institutional support for advocates representing the State.
