The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued an official clarification regarding a false document titled “Official Notification – Mandatory Minimum Fee Structure for Advocates in India”, dated February 15, 2025. The document, which falsely claimed to introduce a mandatory minimum fee structure effective March 1, 2025, has been deemed fraudulent and misleading.

The false document claimed to introduce a mandatory minimum fee structure for advocates, effective from March 1, 2025. BCI, in its circular dated February 15, 2025, has clarified that the document is intended to mislead the public and members of the legal profession by falsely presenting itself as an official directive from the Bar Council of India.

BCI deemed this fraudulent creation as an act of forgery with the intent to cause damage or injury, support a false claim or title, or commit fraud.

The BCI also pointed out several indicators of inauthenticity, such as the absence of an official signature, reference numbers, or procedural documentation. Furthermore, it also pointed out that the explicit mention of "No Signature Required" in the document was a calculated attempt to avoid verification and authentication, calling it a known tactic for creating fraudulent and forged documents.

“The intention behind this forgery appears to be to deceive and spread misinformation, causing significant reputational damage to the Bar Council while misleading the legal fraternity and the public at large.” stated the circular.

Lastly, BCI unequivocally condemned the creation and circulation of this false document and warned of strict legal repercussions against those to be identified or held responsible for this act. It also urged the media and the general public to refrain from circulating or publishing the false document in question.