- 1 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:11024 WP No. 5211 of 2023 IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT BENGALURU DATED THIS THE 23RD DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2026 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.G.S. KAMAL WRIT PETITION NO. 5211 OF 2023 (GM-RES) BETWEEN: H V ASWATHANARAYANA GUPTA S/O SRI. K.H. VASUDEVASHETTY AGED ABOUT 65 YEARS OCCUPATION : ADVOCATE H.NO.10/A, LAKSHMIKANTHA 12TH CROSS, KALIDASA ROAD V.V. MOHALLA, MYSORE-570 002. …PETITIONER (BY SRI. MANJUNATH H.,ADVOCATE) AND: THE CHAIRMAN KARNATAKA ADVOCATES WELFARE FUND TRUSTEE COMMITTEE KARNATAKA STATE BAR COUNCIL OLD KGID BUILDING BANGALORE-560 001. …RESPONDENT (BY SRI. G. NATARAJ.,ADVOCATE) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO QUASHING THE NOTIFICATION ISSUED BY THE RESPONDENT BEARING CIRCULAR NO.KSBC/2244/2022. BENGALURU, DATED 15.11.2022 PRODUCED AS PER ANNX-A , IN SO FAR AS IT PERTAINS TO THE RESPONDENT IS CONCERNED. THIS PETITION, COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING IN 'B' GROUP, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER: Digitally signed by SUMA B N Location: HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA - 2 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:11024 WP No. 5211 of 2023 CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.G.S. KAMAL ORAL ORDER 1. Petitioner is a practicing advocate in Mysore. He is before this Court apparently aggrieved by the circular dated 15.11.2022 issued by the Karnataka Advocates Welfare Fund Trustee Committee (hereinafter referred to as 'the Committee') as per Annexure-A, in terms which the Committee has called upon the Advocates to pay one time membership fee of Rs.15,000/-. The said circular also indicates the payment should be paid within stipulate period, failing which late fee would be imposed. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner appearing through video conferencing submits that though the petitioner has already paid Rs.15,000/- which included Rs.100/- paid towards the penalty, such imposition of penalty is unauthorised. Therefore, he is aggrieved, is his submission. 3. After arguing the matter for sometime learned counsel for the petitioner submits that if the petitioner is given an opportunity to present his case personally before the - 3 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC:11024 WP No. 5211 of 2023 Committee, with the direction for them to hear the petitioner, purpose of the petition would be served. 4. Learned counsel for the respondent-Committee submits that if the petitioner makes a fresh representation, the same will be considered, in accordance with law. 5. Submissions are placed on record. 6. Petitioner-advocate is at liberty to file a fresh representation expressing his grievance, if any, with regard to the Committee collecting Rs.100/- as penalty from him within thirty days from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. If such representation is made, respondent-Committee shall consider the same and pass appropriate order in accordance with law after providing opportunity of personal hearing. 7. With the above observation, petition is disposed of. Sd/- (M.G.S. KAMAL) JUDGE RL List No.: 1 Sl No.: 33