Delhi's Judicial Reform: Full Refund on Court Settlement Fees

The Delhi Assembly passed an amendment to the Court Fees Act, allowing litigants a complete refund on court fees, even in out-of-court settlements. Previously, only 50% of fees were returned for mutual settlements. This change aims to remove the discrimination highlighted by a 2022 Public Interest Litigation.

In a significant legal reform, the Delhi Assembly has amended the Court Fees Act, 1870, ensuring full refunds on court fees for both judicial and out-of-court settlements.

Proposed by Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, the amendment comes in response to discrimination issues noted in a 2022 case.

The new legislation eliminates the previous 50% refund limitation, fostering judicial equality and fairness for all litigants.

(With inputs from agencies.)