Cabinet nod to 50% hike in govt lawyers’ fees

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to raise the retainership and per-hearing fees of advocates representing state govt in various courts by about 50% .The decision follows a recent review of the existing fee structure, which, according to a cabinet note, remained largely unchanged for 10-15 years.Cabinet minister Suresh Khanna said advocates empanelled with the state law department play a crucial role in effectively defending the interests of Uttar Pradesh in courts.The revised fee structure will benefit lawyers engaged in district courts, Allahabad high court and its Lucknow bench, and the Supreme Court.Under the new rates, District Govt Counsels will receive a monthly retainer fee of Rs 14,000 and an appearance fee of Rs 2,500 per working day. Additional District Govt Counsels will get a retainer fee of Rs 11,000 per month and Rs 2,300 per day for court appearances.Assistant District Govt Counsels will receive Rs 10,000 per month along with an appearance fee of Rs 2,300 per working day, while Deputy District Govt Counsels will be entitled to a monthly retainer of Rs 9,000 and Rs 2,000 per day as appearance charges.Govt said the enhancement in retainership and hearing fees aims to ensure effective legal representation for the state and align compensation with current professional requirements.The state law department will take further steps to implement the revised fee structure.