Kochi: Justifying its controversial court fee hike, the Kerala government told the High Court on Thursday that the revision was a necessary step to combat rising inflation and the falling rupee. The state argued that the 2025 fee structure update was guided by expert panel recommendations and aimed at plugging widening budget gaps in maintaining the judiciary.
Officials explained that the cost of running and upgrading judicial infrastructure has escalated over the years, while fee collections have not kept pace. The government emphasized that the new fee model was designed to enhance the justice delivery system without placing undue burden on litigants.
Multiple petitions have challenged the move, warning that it may limit access to justice for the economically weaker sections. In response, the government assured the court that safeguards have been built into the revised system to protect the interests of underprivileged litigants.
The Kerala High Court is expected to continue deliberations on the issue in the coming days.
