Kerala’s Court Fees Overhaul: Public Invited to Voice Opinions at Expert Committee Hearings

The Expert Committee tasked with revising court fees in Kerala will hold public hearings to gather views and suggestions from the public and stakeholders. The committee, led by Justice V K Mohanan, was formed to propose amendments to the Kerala Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1959.

At its first meeting on January 24, 2024, the committee decided to seek input from various stakeholders, including the High Court Registry, statutory bodies, judicial and quasi-judicial authorities, Bar Association representatives, and lawyer organizations. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and fairness.

The public hearings will be held on the following dates:
– June 19, 2024: Kannur and Kasargod
– June 20, 2024: Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad
– June 21, 2024: Ernakulam, Thrissur, Alappuzha
– June 22, 2024: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta

In the 2024-25 budget speech, Finance Minister K N Balagopal highlighted that court fees in Kerala have not been increased for over two decades, necessitating alternative funding for justice administration. The 189th Law Commission Report also recommended raising court fees to cover the rising costs of administering justice.

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