The increase in court fees through the Finance Bill Punjab Act 2024 has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Wednesday.
Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary and other involved parties, seeking their response by August 8.
The petition was filed by a citizen Uzma Tanveer, who named the Punjab Government, represented by the Chief Secretary, Law Secretary, and Finance Secretary, as the respondents. The petitioner argued that on June 26, 2024, the Punjab Government drastically increased court fees, a move approved by Governor Punjab.
Specifically, the ticket fee for filing cases has seen significant hikes: The Rs. 1 fee has increased to Rs. 100. The Rs. 2 fee has increased to Rs. 200. The Rs. 5 fee has increased to Rs. 500.
The petitioner contends that this represents a 10,000 to 25,000 percent increase, making access to justice more difficult for the common man amid existing inflationary pressures.
The petition emphasizes that ensuring justice for the common man is a fundamental duty of the government and that every citizen has the right to a free and fair trial. The significant increase in court fees would impose an additional financial burden on the public.
The petitioner has requested the court to invalidate the government's amendment to increase court fees.