Kerala High Court Lawyers' Association to Hold 'Pen Down Protest' Against Court Fee Increases
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 8, the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association resolved to protest against the steep hike in court fees, declaring a 'pen down protest' on April 9. They warn that the increase threatens democracy and the judicial system, and they've filed a PIL against the rise in fees, which saw increases of up to 9,900%.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala High Court Advocates' Association protests court fees hike.
- Fee increases threaten democracy and judicial integrity.
- PIL filed against increases of 400% to 9,900%.
- Expected no penalties for lawyers' absence during protest.
- Committee recommended revisions to the Kerala Court Fees Act.
Kochi, April 8 (NationPress) Following their prior decision to oppose the unjustified increase in court fees, the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) adopted a resolution on Tuesday to refrain from court activities on Wednesday.
The KHCAA announced that they are joining the 'pen down protest' as the surge in court fees poses a serious threat to democracy and the judicial system.
Additionally, they have submitted a PIL to the High Court challenging the fee hike, which has escalated by 400% to 9,900%.
In their protest announcement, they expressed hope that no punitive measures would be taken for their absence on Wednesday, as their demonstration is solely intended to raise public awareness about the severe injustice inflicted by these adjustments.
The lawyers' association had decided at a meeting last week to conduct a symbolic protest on Wednesday and to file a writ petition contesting the recent increase in court fees across the state.
Last year, the Kerala government established a five-member committee, led by retired Justice V.K. Mohanan of the Kerala High Court, to evaluate and propose amendments for the Kerala Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1959.
Based on the committee's interim report, the government revised court fees for family court cases and cases under the Negotiable Instruments Act in 2024.
Legal challenges against these revisions are currently pending in the High Court.
In his budget address on February 7, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal indicated that court fee increases had been proposed, and the Finance Bill with the new rates was approved by the state Assembly on March 25.
Subsequently, the adjustments in fees outlined in the budget speech took effect from April 1.
Fortunately, the court fees for filing habeas corpus and public interest litigation petitions at the High Court remain unchanged.
Both the Bar Council of Kerala and the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association have voiced their strong opposition to the fee increase.
The primary motive behind the hike is the dire financial condition of the state government, impacting not only the judicial sector but also all government services.
There has also been a recent increase in electricity and water charges effective from the new fiscal year, and it is yet to be seen if any relief will be provided.
