Court Fee Refunds Are Only Allowed When Disputes Are Resolved Through Recognized ADR Mechanisms : SC

The Supreme Court ruled that court fee refunds are only allowed when disputes are resolved through recognized Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms like arbitration or mediation.

The Supreme Court held that litigants who resolve their disputes privately outside of court are not entitled to a refund of court fees.

Earlier, in the case of Sanjeevkumar Harakchand Kankariya v. Union of India & Ors., the petitioner sought a refund after a private settlement, which the Court denied, upholding the High Court's decision.

The ruling emphasises the importance of formal legal pathways for fee refunds.