Delhi High Court orders MP Govt to pay ₹78 lakh to senior advocate

This case involves a petition by a Senior Advocate and former Advocate General of Madhya Pradesh seeking the release of outstanding professional fees and interest for appearances before the Supreme Court of India on behalf of the State of Madhya Pradesh. The core issue is the State's refusal to pay the claimed dues despite the petitioner's recorded appearances in specific matters.

Who it concerns: Petitioner: Anoop George Chaudhari (Senior Advocate); Respondent: State of Madhya Pradesh; Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sachin Datta (Delhi High Court).

What the court decided

• The Court directed the State of Madhya Pradesh to pay over ₹78 Lakhs in fees to the petitioner.
• The Court held that the State cannot deny payment after having taken legal services from the petitioner.
• The Court noted that the petitioner appeared on 14 dates before the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court.
• The Court observed that the State failed to file a counter-affidavit within the granted time, leading to the closure of its right to do so, though a late counter-affidavit was subsequently filed.
• The Court directed the Advocate General to convene a meeting with the then Chief Secretary and Standing Counsel to resolve the matter, which was held in November 2025.

Also in the document

• The judgment was pronounced on 31.08.2026.
• The petitioner claimed a total of ₹1,76,55,000/- in bills, but the title indicates the Court directed payment of over ₹78 Lakhs.
• The State initially denied engaging the petitioner, claiming the engagement was by the Indore Development Authority or M.P. Housing Board, but these entities also denied liability.
• The Court noted that the petitioner's name was recorded in the Supreme Court's judgment in the IDA matter.