Bar Council Elections: Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to BCI’s Decision Fixing Nomination Fee at ₹1.25 Lakh

The Supreme Court of India on 17 Oct 2025 refused to entertain a writ petition by advocates challenging the BCI’s decision to impose a ₹ 1.25 lakh non-refundable nomination fee for State Bar Council elections. The petitioners argued this disproportionately excludes young and financially weaker advocates and violates Articles 14 & 19. The Bench remarked that young lawyers could contest later and noted multiple High Courts were examining similar issues. The matter was withdrawn with no recorded liberty to re-file. The judgment raises questions about internal democracy within the Bar, access to representation, and whether financial thresholds hinder participation in professional electoral bodies. (Live Law)