Bill proposing hike in court fees introduced in Delhi assembly

The Court Fees (Delhi Amendment) Bill, 2012, seeks the hike in court fees which were last revised in 1958. Revenue collection from court fees is expected to go up to Rs 500 crore annually from current Rs 50 crore when the new rates come into effect.

It also seeks to completely do away with stamp paper of all denominations and shift to electronic-stamping facility, a moved aimed at ensuring hassle-free transactions and preventing fraudulent practices.

Currently, e-stamping is applicable to values of Rs 500 and above but government has now decided to abolish stamp papers of all denominations, which will mean people will have to pay stamp duty for sworn affidavits, agreement of tenancy, mortgage deeds, power of attorney and other instruments through e-stamping facility.

Presenting the Bill in the House, Revenue Minister A K Walia said that in order to rationalise the court fees and collection by electronic-court fees it was decided to amend section 26 of the Court Fees Act 1870.