Hike in court fees: Kerala high court seeks state govt’s views

Kochi: HC on Tuesday directed the state govt to file a counter affidavit explaining the reasons and details behind the recent hike in court fees. The bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S Manu also instructed the state to produce the Justice V K Mohanan Committee report and other documents relied upon for the enhancement.The court was hearing a PIL by the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA), challenging the steep hike in court fees and the imposition of ad valorem fees without any upper limit, introduced through the Kerala Finance Act, 2025.During the hearing, the state sought permission to submit documents in a sealed cover. However, HC declined the request as the petitioners opposed it. The petitioners contended that the fee hike is unreasonable and exorbitant, citing increases ranging from 400% to as high as 9900%, thereby adversely affecting public access to justice. They also alleged that the govt has failed to provide any objective justification or clearly stated purpose for the increase, which they argue runs contrary to the recommendations of both the Law Commission of India and the Kerala Law Reform Commission.The association also sought the production of all materials the state considered in effecting the revision. Their counsel requested an interim stay on the revised court fees, but the bench maintained that the state govt must first be heard before any such relief is considered. The division bench adjourned the matter to May 23 for further hearing.