Lawyer Gets 2-Year Suspension After Charging Client ₹80,000 for ‘Court Fee’ his profession

A harsh lesson in ethics and accountability from the legal field.
A lawyer has been suspended from practice for two years after he was found guilty of overcharging a client under the guise of a ‘court fee’.

The case unfolded when a client approached the Bar Council with a complaint, alleging that their lawyer demanded ₹80,000, claiming it was needed to pay the court fee for filing a case.

But as it turned out, there was a big problem —
There was no such court fee applicable in the case at all.
 The lawyer had misled the client and pocketed the entire amount.

 What the Bar Council Found

The disciplinary committee of the Bar Council of [State] (actual state name if available) thoroughly examined the matter. Their investigation revealed that the lawyer had not only taken money under false pretenses, but also failed to provide any proper receipt or documentation for the supposed court fee.

The Punishment

Calling this a serious breach of professional ethics, the Bar Council issued a strong message to the legal community by suspending the lawyer for two full years.
This means the lawyer cannot practice in any court in India during this period.

Lawyers are officers of the court and are expected to act in good faith, honesty, and with integrity.
This incident highlights the importance of transparency and ethical behavior in the legal profession.

Message to the Public

If you ever find yourself uncertain about legal fees, remember:
 Always ask for an official receipt.
 Cross-check court fee amounts — many are listed publicly.
 Don’t hesitate to approach the Bar Council if you feel cheated