In a stringent move, the Gujarat High Court has unleashed a circular demanding immediate action from lawyers and litigants regarding unpaid court fees lingering from cases filed during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlighted are cases lodged between March 22, 2020, and January 7, 2022, singled out due to either inadequate payment or outright non-payment of requisite court fees.
The circular, issued on May 30 under the directives of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, serves as a stern warning, stating that if these pending fees are not resolved within thirty days, they will be pursued as arrears of land revenue.
Furthermore, the missive urges lawyers and litigants to promptly furnish original documents or certified copies thereof for cases already adjudicated. Failure to comply within the specified timeframe would result in the denial of certified copies, aggravating the legal predicament.
Quoting from the circular: “All the concerned learned Advocates / Litigants are hereby informed / intimated to make payment of outstanding Court Fees and / or to submit the original documents / certified copies of the documents in the matters already decided / disposed of, which were filed during the Covid-19 Pandemic period i.e. from 22-03-2020 to 07-01-2022, wherein either Court Fees has not been paid or insufficient Court Fees has been paid and / or original documents / certified copies of the documents are not filed … within a period of 30 days from the date of this Circular, failing which, the outstanding Court Fees shall be recovered as arrears of land revenue and if the original document(s) is/are not filed, within a period of 30 days, no certified copies of the said document(s) shall be issued.”
This decisive move by the Gujarat High Court underscores the gravity of adhering to legal obligations, especially during unprecedented times, and serves as a resolute reminder for all stakeholders to promptly settle outstanding dues to evade the weighty consequences that loom ahead.
