The new rates will be applicable to work done on or after February 1, 2026.
The central government has increased the fees of different categories of government lawyers. In the new notification, the fees of government lawyers representing Supreme Court, High Court, Tribunal and Arbitration cases have been increased. This change will come into effect from February 2026. The revised rates have come into effect from February 1, 2026.
The ministry clarified that lawyers will be paid at the old rates for work and appearances done before February 1, 2026. The new rates will be applicable to work done on or after February 1, 2026. The rates for different categories have been clarified in the notification. Know how much fees of government lawyers has been fixed for different courts.
Supreme Court (Table-A)
In the notification, there has been a huge increase in the fees for the lawyers representing the Government of India in the Supreme Court. The fees are divided into different categories for Group ‘A’ lawyers and Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ lawyers.
- Hearing: For all regular appeals and writ petitions (final hearing) filed by the defence, Group ‘A’ lawyers will now be paid Rs 21,600 per day per case, while Group ‘B’ and ‘C’ lawyers will get Rs 14,400.
- Admission Matters: For admission cases filed by the defence, including SLPs and writ petitions, the fee has been fixed at Rs 14,400 for Group ‘A’ and Rs 7,200 for Groups ‘B’ and ‘C’.
- to draft: The fee for preparing SLP, counter affidavit or rejoinder has been fixed at Rs 14,400 for Group ‘A’ and Rs 7,200 for Group ‘B’ and ‘C’.
- Services outside Headquarters: Daily charges for services outside the headquarters are equivalent to hearing fees: Rs 21,600 (Group ‘A’) and Rs 14,400 (Group ‘B’ and ‘C’).
Delhi High Court.
High Court and Tribunal (Table-B)
This update has been issued for High Court and Tribunal. Principal benches of Bombay and Calcutta High Courts are not included in this.
- Retainership: Monthly retainership fee of Rs 14,400 has been fixed for all Deputy Solicitors General of India, Senior CGSC and CGSC (Delhi High Court)
- Hearing: The fee for effective hearing in writ petitions, appeals and suits is fixed at Rs 14,400 per case per day. The fee for ineffectiveness hearing is Rs 2,400 (limited to five such hearings).
- to draft: A fee of Rs 4,800 per representation will be given for drafting representations and counter-affidavits.
Calcutta High Court (file photo).
Special rates for Bombay and Calcutta (Table ‘C’)
Fees have been fixed separately for the principal benches of Bombay and Calcutta High Courts. It has been placed in Table-C.
- Lawsuits and Appeals: The special counsel will get Rs 14,400 for each hearing. Senior Advocates Group-I and Group-II will get Rs 9,600 and Rs 6,000 respectively.
- to draft: The special counsel will be paid Rs 6,000 for preparing the plaint, while the senior counsel Group-I will receive Rs 4,800.
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