Kerala HC Lawyers’ Body Challenges Unreasonable Court Fee Hike Under Finance Act, 2025

The Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association (KHCAA) has filed a PIL challenging the 2025 amendment to the Kerala Court Fees and Suit Valuation Act via the Kerala Finance Act.

The petition opposes the steep court fee hike ranging from 400% to 9,900% and the introduction of ad valorem fees without an upper limit, calling it unconstitutional and a barrier to justice.

KHCAA also seeks to strike down Section 73A, which exempts the State and its officials from paying court fees, arguing that such selective exemption for the State, the largest litigant, is discriminatory and violates constitutional rights.