In Brief

Four insurance companies challenged a High Court order requiring them to pay advocates' fees according to GIPSA's 2004 fee schedule (Rs. 7,500 per case). The High Court had entertained a suo moto PIL after advocates complained of non-payment and delays in case hearings. The Supreme Court held that while the PIL was initially justified to address justice-related issues, adjudication of the fee dispute was inappropriate since the companies had already admitted to adhering to the operative 2009 and 2014 GIPSA schedules with no complaints. The Court set aside the 2004 fee directive and the interest direction, but confirmed the 2009 and 2014 schedules remained binding.

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