After 20 years, the Kerala government is moving to increase court fees, with an expected revenue boost of ₹150 crores. State Finance Minister KN Balagopal outlined the proposal in the 2025-26 budget speech, citing inflationary pressures and the need to enhance judicial infrastructure.
A five-member committee, led by retired Kerala High Court judge Justice VK Mohanan, had been formed last year to evaluate and recommend fee revisions. The committee gathered input from various legal professionals and submitted its final report, paving the way for legislative amendments.
The proposed revisions include significant changes:
- Bail Applications: Fees will range from ₹50 to ₹500, depending on the court level.
- Property and Trust Disputes: Fees will be calculated based on market value, with some cases requiring payments of up to ₹20,000.
- Election Petitions: Fees for challenging elections at various levels—from village panchayats to Parliament—will range from ₹250 to ₹3,000.
- Land and Compensation Cases: A percentage-based fee structure will be introduced for claims related to land acquisition and foreign arbitration awards.
- Public Interest Litigations and Habeas Corpus Petitions: These filings will continue to be exempt from court fees.
Last year, interim fee hikes for family court cases and Negotiable Instruments Act cases were met with opposition, leading to legal challenges. Despite pushback from the Bar Council of Kerala and the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association, the committee finalized its recommendations after further consultations.
In addition to the above changes, the government is considering further revisions affecting cooperative societies, rent control cases, administrative tribunals, consumer disputes, and local self-government matters. The proposal also includes potential fee relaxations for women and transgender individuals.
While the state aims to modernize its legal system and generate revenue, the proposed hikes are expected to spark debate among legal professionals and the public alike.
