Kerala High Court Upholds Massive Hike in Court Fees, Cites Inflation and Justice Costs

The Kerala High Court dismissed a petition filed by the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association challenging the 2025 amendment to the Kerala Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, which substantially increased court fees.

The Association contended that the hike ranging from 400% to 9900% contravened the Supreme Court’s observations on the affordability of justice and curtailed public access to courts.

However, the Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji held that the revision was necessary and justified, considering inflation, the devaluation of the rupee, and the rising administrative expenses of the judiciary.

[Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association v State of Kerala & Ors.]