Kerala Court fees to increase fivefold: Committee submits report

Thiruvananthapuram: A government-appointed committee has recommended a fivefold hike in court fees across all courts in Kerala. The proposal was submitted by the committee headed by Justice VK Mohanan, which suggested revising the fixed rates outlined in the Second Schedule of the Kerala Court Fees and Suit Valuation Act. The report has been handed over to Minister P Rajeev.

The recommendations also include introducing new fees for certain areas, such as anticipatory bail applications. Additionally, the committee proposed exemptions or concessions in court fees for women and transgender individuals. The fact that fee rates have not been revised for the past 20 years was considered while making these suggestions.

Based on the interim report from the committee, the government had earlier decided to implement a slab-based fee structure in family courts, linked to the compensation amount. The recommendation to increase fees fivefold is part of the final report.

Other recommendations

• New fees should be charged for additional compensation granted in land acquisition cases
• Levy new fees on additional compensation granted under laws related to petroleum, legislation, Indian Telegraph Act, and the Indian Electricity Act.
• Court fees should be levied at a fixed rate based on the amount involved in various petitions related to arbitration cases. 
• Court fees collected in cases settled out of court must be refunded