Jamshedpur: Objections are mounting within the legal fraternity over the proposed security deposit of ₹1.25 lakh for candidates contesting the Jharkhand State Bar Council elections. Calling the amount excessive and discriminatory, senior advocate Sudhir Kumar Pappu has submitted a formal representation seeking urgent reconsideration.
The representation has been addressed to Manan Kumar Mishra, who is also Chairman of the Bar Council of India and a Rajya Sabha member. Advocate Pappu has urged immediate intervention to ensure fair and inclusive participation in the Bar Council polls.
Deposit Termed Exclusionary
In his submission, Advocate Pappu argued that fixing such a high security deposit would effectively prevent advocates from economically weaker and underprivileged backgrounds from contesting the elections. He said the move goes against the democratic spirit of statutory bodies, which are meant to represent lawyers from all sections of society.
Highlighting the ground realities in Jharkhand, the representation noted that a large number of advocates practice in district courts and rural areas and come from modest financial backgrounds. It recalled that even marginal hikes in fees in the past had led to statewide protests, as lawyers viewed such decisions as anti-poor.
Sharp Increase From Previous Polls
The objection also pointed out that while the Supreme Court of India prescribes a nominal enrollment fee of less than ₹1,000 for new advocates, the proposed security deposit for contesting Bar Council elections has reportedly jumped sharply—from ₹10,000 in the previous election to ₹1.25 lakh this time.
Advocate Pappu further questioned the decision-making process, alleging that the Jharkhand State Bar Council fixed the amount without consulting its members in a general body meeting. Such unilateral action, he said, makes the decision arbitrary and open to constitutional challenge.
Call for Immediate Intervention
The representation has appealed to the Bar Council of India chairman to step in and ensure that the security deposit is reduced to the minimum possible level. The demand, advocates say, is essential to protect democratic participation, equal opportunity and fair representation within the legal profession in Jharkhand.
