MillenniumPost
Delhi

Advocates hike fees by almost 25% while accepting old currencies

Post currency ban of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes since November 9 mid-night, the advocates in lower and higher courts in the city have increased their fees by almost 25 per cent while accepting old currencies from their clients.

It is a well-known fact that advocates charge high fees and it increases as per the charges, profile of the client and gravity of the case. 

After the Modi-government’s decision to scrap notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination, advocates were hard hit as their entire dealing with clients took place in cash of higher denominations. 

Most of the high-profile clients used to pay the advocates fees through their black money. 

And the advocates, without thinking even once, used to accept the fees in cash. But now, the situation has taken a different turn and the clients have gone cashless, as they do not have the new currency.

Taking advantage of this situation, most of the advocates have increased their fees by almost 25 per cent from the clients who are paying in the old currency. Later, these advocates are either investing the money to buy properties outside Delhi or are converting it using other illegal schemes available in the city.

All these revelations came to light after Millennium Post reporter spoke to many advocates of lower and higher courts. But none of them wished to be quoted.

Meanwhile, some of the advocates are taking the fees through cheques or are preferring online transactions in their current bank accounts.

Most of the clients have pleaded with the advocates to extend the hearing dates as they are short of money and they need some time to arrange transportation fees and the fees payable to their advocate/s.

Not only this, the rate for notary public in the court has also gone up. The maximum bill for a notary is below Rs 2,000. Hence, they are demanding for change and if the client is unable to provide change or the new currency, the person giving the notary papers are charging them extra to accept the old currency. 
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