Law Ministry Hikes Fees Of Central Government Counsel, Deputy Solicitors General

The Ministry of Law and Justice has issued an Office Memorandum revising the fee payable to various categories of Central Government Counsel and the Deputy Solicitors General. The hike is effective February 1, 2026. 

During the recently held 17th National Conference of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad held at Balotra, Rajasthan, the Union Minister of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, had announced that the fees of panel counsel for the Central Government and its institutions will be increased and that the delay in receiving fees will be addressed.

The benefit of the revision is applicable to the Panel Counsel in the Supreme Court, High Courts, Tribunals and the District and Subordinate Courts throughout the country.  

The OM dated February 5, 2026 says, "The counsels will be paid fee at the old rates in respect of their appearance in the Court etc. and other work done by them prior to 01.02.2026 and at the revised rates in respect of the work done by them on/ after 01.02.2026".

The retainership of the Deputy Solicitors General has been increased to Rs. 14,400/-. In High Courts, the fees for each effective hearing has been increased to Rs.14,440/- for the DSGI and the Senior Central Government Standing Counsel/ Senior Panel Counsel, while for the others, it has been increased to Rs.3,600/-.

The Law Minister had simultaneously announced that the Government is coming out with an Insurance Scheme for Advocates, which will include Medical Insurance and accident coverage.

"Your fees will be increased. Timely payment is not being made. We are resolving that issue also", he had said. 

"There are many who say, we fought the case, but this Coal India (as an example) is not making payment. Isn't this an issue?", he asked the audience, laughing. The audience agreed. "We are resolving that issue also", he said.

Announcing the Insurance Scheme for Advocates, the Minister had said, "We are bringing an insurance scheme for you. Both medical insurance and group insurance. Accident will also be covered". "Advocates' Protection Act is pending before the Law Commission. The rest of the issues will also be resolved", he had assured the gathering of lawyers.

Click here to read/download Office Memorandum