UP hikes remuneration for govt counsels: AG calls it a step towards efficient justice

Lucknow: Welcoming UP cabinet’s recent decision to revise the retainership and appearance fees of advocates representing the state before various courts, the govt counsels on Friday said that the step would ensure effective representation of the state’s interests before the judiciary.

Expressing gratitude to chief minister Yogi Adityanath, advocate general of Uttar Pradesh Ajay Mishra said that the decision was not merely about revision of fees, but an important step towards making the judicial system more efficient, responsive and result-oriented.

It will further strengthen the quality and timely conduct of litigation on behalf of the state govt.

In a statement, the counsels said that the state govt fulfilled a longstanding expectation of the legal fraternity.

The advocates stated that the benefits of the decision will extend across all levels of the legal system, including district govt counsels, additional district govt counsels, assistant district govt counsels, deputy district govt counsels, designated counsels, special counsels and Amicus Curiae serving in district courts.

It will also benefit the advocate general, additional advocate generals, chief standing counsels, standing counsels, govt advocates, brief holders, advocates-on-record and various categories of panel counsels representing the State before the Allahabad High Court, the Lucknow Bench and the Supreme Court of India.

The counsel observed that with the changing judicial landscape, the growing volume of litigation, increasingly complex legal matters and the expanding responsibilities of advocates, there was a long-felt need to review the remuneration structure.

“The revision assumes particular significance as fees for advocates serving in district courts have been revised after nearly 10 years, while those at the Advocate General level have been revised after approximately 14 years,” Mishra said, adding that this reflected the state govt’s sensitivity and foresight.

The advocates further stated that the CM has accepted the principle of periodic and need-based revision and approved an increase of up to 50% in retainership and per-hearing fees. This will enhance the morale of govt counsels, improve the effectiveness of representation in important state matters and enable the govt’s position to be presented before courts with greater strength and professionalism.

The advocates further said that the state govt has acknowledged and respected the contribution of the legal fraternity while taking a significant step towards strengthening the judicial system.