Is the Delhi HC Challenging the ‘Exorbitant’ Confirmation Fee in CLAT-PG Admissions?
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Synopsis
The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step by agreeing to review a plea against the exorbitant confirmation fees levied on CLAT-PG admissions. This case raises critical questions about financial accessibility in legal education.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi High Court is reviewing a petition regarding confirmation fees.
- The fees are considered exorbitant and non-refundable.
- The case raises questions about financial accessibility in legal education.
- Petitioner claims the fees violate constitutional rights.
- Responses from involved parties are expected by July 2.
New Delhi, Jun 23 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court has consented to review a petition that disputes the “exorbitant” non-refundable confirmation fee imposed by the Consortium of National Law Universities (NLUs) for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) postgraduate admissions.
A bench led by Justice Rajneesh Kumar Gupta issued notices to the Consortium of National Law Universities, the Bar Council of India (BCI), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and other concerned parties, requesting their responses by July 2.
The petition, filed by advocate Siddharth R. Gupta, argues that the “arbitrary level of exorbitant fees” charged as a non-refundable confirmation fee at each round of counseling is unreasonable and violates Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution.
It further claims that this confirmation fee is enforced mechanically, disregarding the financial capability of numerous candidates to manage such high costs associated with the counseling and admission process.
According to the petition, the mentioned “exorbitant fee” contravenes directives established by the UGC, as all NLUs are obligated to adhere to these under the University Grants Commission Act of 1956.
The petitioner, Jatin Shrivastava, who successfully ranked 474 in the recent CLAT-PG results, stated that he relies entirely on an education loan to pursue his LLM degree. The loan is contingent upon his admission to an NLU, with installments to be transferred only to the chosen NLU, not the CLAT Consortium.
Despite facing financial hardships, the petitioner has paid the required counseling fee of Rs 30,000, choosing to advocate for numerous candidates who might be struggling with the exorbitant fees ranging from Rs 20,000-40,000 per counseling round.
Previously, on June 20, this issue was brought before a Vacation Bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Rajneesh Kumar Gupta, who ordered its consideration for hearing on Monday.
Point of View
I believe that this case highlights the pressing need for equitable access to legal education in India. The exorbitant confirmation fees can deter capable candidates from pursuing their dreams. We must advocate for a system that ensures fairness and accessibility for all aspiring law professionals.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue brought before the Delhi High Court?
The Delhi High Court is reviewing a petition that challenges the exorbitant non-refundable confirmation fees imposed by the Consortium of National Law Universities for CLAT-PG admissions.
Who filed the petition against the confirmation fee?
The petition was filed by advocate Siddharth R. Gupta on behalf of the petitioner Jatin Shrivastava.
What are the constitutional articles cited in the petition?
The petition contends that the fees violate Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution.
What financial impact does this fee have on candidates?
Candidates, like Jatin Shrivastava, who are financially constrained, find it difficult to pay the high fees required for each round of counseling, which ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000.
What is the next step in this legal process?
The Delhi High Court has requested responses from the involved parties by July 2.
