Team News Riveting
Patna, March 27
In a major victory for the agitating advocates, Justice Ajit Kumar on Thursday ordered a drastic cut in the fees for filing of nomination papers for Advocates Association elections scheduled for next month in Patna High Court.
Following two days hearing on a petition challenging “exorbitant” hike in the fees , Patna High Court ordered 75 per cent reduction in the fees. Now, it will be Rs 6250 for President, Rs 5000 for Vice President and General Secretary. Earlier, the fees were Rs 25,000 for President, Rs 20,000 for vice President and General Secretary.
Mrs. Chhaya Mishra, Vice President of the association who argued in the case said many economically poor but deserving lawyers would be deprived of their right to contest because of heavy fees. Petitioner, Saroj Kumar in his complaint regretted the general body of the association was not taken into confidence while raising the nomination fees . He said the unilateral decision of the Returning officer smacked of ” feudal decision”.
The court also ordered 30 per cent of the posts in the Association should be reserved for women lawyers.
