Implementation of Revised Fee Schedule for ESIC Panel Advocates -reg (English)

Document text

E.File No. T-11/15/12/2016-Vol-IIT-11/15/12/2016-Vol-II Dated: 25-03-2026 OFFICE MEMORANDUM Subject: Implementation of Revised Fee Schedule for ESIC Panel Advocates –reg Reference: OM No. J-12011/6/2025-Judicial/E.158060 dated 05.02.2026 issued by the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law related to revision of fee structure for ESIC empaneled advocates. (Copy enclosed) In supersession of Headquarters Office OM No. T-11/12/2/2016-Legal dated 02.01.2017, and with reference to the Office Memorandum No. J-12011/6/2025- Judicial/E.158060 dated 05.02.2026 issued by the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice, the Competent Authority has decided to adopt OM No. J- 12011/6/2025-Judicial/E.158060 dated 05.02.2026. The provisions therein shall be applicable to ESIC panel advocates with effect from 01.04.2026. Further, for equalization in designation of Advocates in ESIC vis-a-vis those mentioned in the OM No. J-12011/6/2025-Judicial/E.158060 dated 05.02.2026, the fee payable to Panel Counsels of ESIC would be as follows: 1. Panel in Supreme Court: Group ‘A’ Counsel generally requires a minimum of 10 years of active bar practice. Fee: As the experience required for empanelment in Supreme Court for ESIC is minimum 10 years, the fee structure applicable shall be as specified under the head Group ‘A’ Counsel in Table ‘A’. Retainership: Standing Counsel of ESIC before the Supreme Court shall be paid retainership fee at the rates specified at Serial No. 1 in Table ‘B’. 2. Panel in all the High Courts and Tribunals/Commissions (except Principal Benches of Bombay & Calcutta) Senior Panel Counsel (SPC) generally requires a minimum of 10 years of active bar practice. Fee: As the experience required for empanelment in High Court for ESIC is minimum 10 years, the fee structure applicable shall be as specified under the head SPC in Table ‘B’. In regions where advocates have less than 10 years of experience, the fee payable shall be at the rates mentioned under the head Central Government Counsel (CGC) in Table ‘B’. T-11/15/12/2016-Vol-II I/3743245/2026 3. Panel in High Courts (Principal Benches) as well as CAT & Other Tribunals Benches of Bombay & Calcutta Special Counsel generally requires a minimum of 10 years of active bar practice. Fee: As the experience required for empanelment in High Court for ESIC is minimum 10 years, the fee structure applicable shall be as specified under the head Special Counsel in Table ‘C’. In regions where advocates have less than 10 years of experience, the fee payable shall be at the rates mentioned under the head Senior Counsel Group-I in Table ‘C’. 4. Panel in the EI Courts, Magistrate Courts, District & Subordinate Courts and District Consumer Forums throughout the Country Fee: The fee payable shall be at the rates mentioned under Table ‘D’ for all panel counsels. Retainership: Wherever regions have appointed Standing Government Counsel/Additional Standing Government Counsel, the retainership fee shall be payable as specified at Serial No. 1 of Table ‘D’. 5. Panel Counsel for conducting arbitration cases before the arbitrators and arbitration tribunals Fee: The fee structure applicable shall be as specified under the head Senior Arbitration Counsel in Table ‘E’. All other terms and conditions contained in OM No. J-12011/6/2025- Judicial/E.158060 dated 05.02.2026 shall continue to remain applicable unless specifically revoked or revised. It is further clarified that panel counsels shall be paid at the old rates for their appearance and work done prior to 01.04.2026, and at the revised rates for work done on/after 01.04.2026. This is for information and for necessary adoption and compliance. This is issued with the approval of the Director General. Encl: as above VIJAY KUMAR Deputy Director (Legal) Copy to: 1. PPS to DG/FC/CVO/CTO 2. Regional Directors- All States T-11/15/12/2016-Vol-II I/3743245/2026 3. Deans/Medical Superintendents- All ESIC Hospital & Medical Colleges 4. Directors/Joint Directors- All SRO’s 5. WCM with a request to upload on ESIC Headquarters website. T-11/15/12/2016-Vol-II I/3743245/2026