Kerala Govt Defends Court Fee Hike Before High Court, Says Only Fixed Fees Revised

The Kerala government has defended the recent hike in court fees before the High Court, citing inflation and rupee depreciation since the last revision in 2003.

In response to a PIL filed by the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association, the government said the increase was based on expert committee recommendations.

The panel, which included a retired judge and senior officials, considered factors like the Consumer Price Index, gold prices, and the USD exchange rate.

The government clarified that only fixed fees were revised, not ad valorem fees, and said it has the constitutional power to legislate on the matter.