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COURT FEES ACT, 1870

COURT FEES ACT, 1870

 

COURT FEES ACT, 1870

Preamble - COURT FEES ACT, 1870

THE COURT FEES ACT, 1870

[Act No. 07 of 1870]

 

Chapter I ? PRELIMINARY

 

Section 1 - Short title.--

This Act may be called The Court Fees Act, 1870.

Extent of Act.-It extends to the whole of India except [1] [the territories which, immediately before the 1stNovember, 1956, were comprised in Part B States].

Commencement of Act-And it shall come into force on the first day of April, 1870.

 

Section 1A - Definition of 'Appropriate Government'

 

[2] [1-A. Definition of 'Appropriate Government'

In this Act "the Appropriate Government" means, in relation to fees or stamps relating to documents presented or to be presented before any officer serving under the Central Government, that Government, and in relation to any other fees or stamps, the State Government.]

Section 2 - Chief Controlling Revenue-authority" defined

[3]"[Chief Controlling Revenue-authority" defined.]

Rep. by the A.O. 1937.

Chapter II - FEES IN THE HIGH COURT AND IN THE COURTS OF SMALL CAUSES AT THE PRESIDENCY-TOWNS

 

Section 3 - Levy of fees in High Courts on their original sides

The fees payable for the time being to the clerks and officers (other than the sheriffs and attorneys) of [4] [the [5] [High Courts other than those of Kerala. Mysore and Rajasthan]], Or chargeable in each of such Courts under No. 11 of the First, and Nos. 7, 12, 14, [6] [*] 20 & 21 of the Second Schedule to this act annexed;

Levy of Fees in Presidency Small Cause Courts.-and the fees the time being chargeable in the Courts of Small Causes at Levy of the Presidency-towns[7] and their several offices;

Shall be collected in manner hereinafter appearing.

Section 4 - Fees on documents filed, etc., in High Courts in their extraordinary jurisdiction;

No document of any of the kinds specified in the First or Second Schedule to this Act annexed, as chargeable with fees, shall be filed, exhibited or recorded in, or shall be received or furnished by, any of the said High Courts in any case coming before such Courts in the exercise of its extraordinary original civil jurisdiction;

or in the exercise of its extraordinary original criminal jurisdiction;

In their appellate jurisdiction;-or in the exercise of its jurisdiction as regards appeals from the [8] [judgment (other than judgments passed in the exercise of the ordinary original civil jurisdiction of the Court) of one] or more Judges of the said Court, or of a Division Court;

Or in the exercise of its jurisdiction as regards appeals from the Courts subject to its superintendence;

As Courts of reference and revision.-or in the exercise of its jurisdiction as a Court of reference or revision'

Unless in respect of such document there be paid a fee of an amount not less than that indicated by either of the said Schedules as the proper fee for such document.

Section 5 - Procedure in case of difference as to necessity or amount of fee

When any difference arises between the officer whose duty it is to see that any fee is paid under this Chapter and any suitor or attorney, as to the necessity of paying a fee or the amount thereof, the question shall, when the difference arises in any of said High Courts, be referred to the taxing-officer, whose decision thereon shall be final, except when the question is, in his opinion, one of general importance, in which case he shall refer it to the final decision of the Chief Justice of such High Court, or of such Judge of the High Court as the Chief Justice shall appoint either generally or specially in this behalf.

When any such difference arises in any of the said Courts of Small Causes, the question shall be referred to the Clerk of the Court, whose decision thereon shall be final, shall refer it to the final decision of the first Judge of such Court.

The Chief Justice shall declare who shall be taxing-officer within the meaning of the first paragraph of this section.

 

Chapter III - FEES IN OTHER COURTS AND IN PUBLIC OFFICES

 

Section 6 - Fees on documents filed, etc., in Mofussil Courts or in public Offices

Except in the Courts hereinbefore mentioned, no document of any of the kinds specified as chargeable in the First or Second Schedule to this Act annexed shall be filed, exhibited or recorded in any Court of Justice, or shall be received or furnished by any public officer, unless in respect of such document there be paid a fee of an amount not less than that indicated by either of the said Schedules as the proper fee for such document.

Section 7 - Computation of fees payable in certain suits

The amount of fee payable under this Act in the suits next hereinafter mentioned shall be computed as follows:-

(i)       for money:-In suits for money (including suits for damages or compensation, or arrears of maintenance, of annuities, or of other sums payable periodically)-according to the amount claimed;

 

(ii)      for maintenance and annuities:-In suits for maintenance and annuities or other sums payable periodically-according to the value of the subject-matter of the suit, and such value shall be deemed to be ten times the amount claimed to be payable for one year;

 

(iii)     for other moveable property having a market-value:-In suits for moveable property other than money, where the subject-matter of the suit, and such value shall be deemed to be ten times the amount claimed to be payable for one year;

 

(iv)    In suits-

 

(a)      for moveable property of no market-value:-for moveable property where the subject-matter has no market-value, as, for instance, in the case of documents relating to title;

 

(b)      to enforce a right to share in joint family property:-to enforce the right to share in any property on the ground that it is joint family property;

 

(c)      for a declaratory decree and consequential relief:-to obtain a declaratory decree or order, where consequential relief is prayed;

 

(d)      for an injunction:-to obtain an injunction;

 

(e)      for easements:-for a right to some benefit (not herein otherwise provided for) to arise out of land; and

 

(f)       for accounts:-for accounts-according to the amount at which the relief sought is valued in the plaint or memorandum of appeal:In all such suits the plaintiff shall state the amount at which he values the relief sought [9] [* * * * *];

 

(v)      for possession of land, houses and gardens;-In suits for the possession of land, houses and gardens-according to the value of the subject-matter; and such value shall be deemed to be-Where the subject-matter is land, and-

 

(a)      Where the land forms an entire estate, or a definite share of an estate, paying annual revenue to Government or forms part of such an estate and is recorded in the Collector's register as separately assessed with such revenue;and such revenue is permanently settled-ten times the revenue so payable:

 

(b)      Where the land forms an entire estate, or a definite share of an estate, paying annual revenue to Government, or forms part of such estate and is recorded as aforesaid,and such revenue is settled, but not permanently-five times the revenue so payable;

 

(c)      Where the land pays no such revenue, or has been partially exempted from such payment, or is charged with any fixed payment in lieu of such revenue, and net profits have arisen from the land during the year next before the date of presenting the plaint fifteen times such net profits;but where no such net profits have arisen therefrom-the amount at which the Court shall estimate the land with reference to the value of similar land in the neighbourhood;

 

(d)      Where the land forms part of an estate paying revenue to Government, but is not a definite share of such estate and is not separately assessed as above-mentioned-the market-value of the land:

Proviso as to Bombay Presidency:-Provided that, in the [10]territories subject to the Governor of Bombay in Council, the value of the land shall be deemed to be--

(1)      Where the land is held on settlement for a period not exceeding thirty years and pays the full assessment to Government--a sum equal to five times the survey-assessment;

 

(2)      Where the land is held on a permanent settlement, or on a settlement for any period exceeding thirty years, and pays the full assessment to Government--a sum equal to ten times the survey assessment; and

 

(3)      Where the whole or any part of the annual survey-assessment is remitted--sum computed under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of this proviso, as the case may be, in addition to ten times the assessment, or the portion of assessment, so remitted.

Explanation.-The word "estate", as used in this paragraph, means any land subject to the payment of revenue, for which the proprietor or a farmer or ryot shall have executed a separate engagement to Government, or which, in the absence of such engagement, shall have been separately assessed with revenue;

(e)      for houses and gardens:-where the subject-matter is a house or garden-according to the market-value of the house or garden;

 

(vi)    to enforce a right of pre-emption:-In suits to enforce a right of preemption-according to the value [computed in accordance with paragraph (v) of this section] of the land, house or garden in respect of which the right is claimed;

 

(vii)   for interest of assignee of land-revenue:-In suits for the interest of an assignee of land-revenue fifteen times his net profits as such for the year next before the date of presenting the plaint;

 

(viii)  to set aside an attachment:-In suits to set aside an attachment of land or of an interest in land or revenue-according to the amount for which the land or interest was attached:

Provided that, where such amount exceeds the value of the land or interest, the amount of fee shall be computed as if the suit were for the possession of such land or interest;

(ix)    to redeem:-In suits against a mortgage for the recovery of the property mortgaged,to foreclose.-and in suits by a mortgage to foreclose the mortgage, or, where the mortgage is made by conditional sale, to have the sale declared absolute-according to the principal money expressed to be secured by the instrument of mortgage;

 

(x)      for specific performance:-In suits for specific performance ?

 

(a)      of a contract of sale-according to the amount of the consideration;

 

(b)      of a contract of mortgage--according to the amount agreed to be secured;

(c)      of a contract of lease-according to the aggregate amount of the fine or premium (if any) and of the rent agreed to be paid during the first year of the term;

 

(d)      of an award--according to the amount or value of the property in dispute;

 

(xi)    between landlord and tenant.-- In the following suits between landlord and tenant:-

 

(a)      for the delivery by a tenant of the counterpart of lease,

 

(b)      to enhance the rent of a tenant having a right of occupancy,

 

(c)      for the delivery by a landlord of a lease,

[11] [(cc) for the recovery of immovable property from a tenant, including a tenant holding over after the determination of a tenancy]

(d)      to contest a notice of ejectment.

 

(e)      to recover the occupancy of 4[immovable property] from which a tenant has been illegally ejected by the landlord, and

 

(f)       for abatement of rent --according to the amount of the rent of the [12] [immovable property] to which the suit refers, payable for the year next before the date of presenting the plaint.

 

Section 8 - Fee on memorandum of appeal against order relating to compensation

The amount of fee payable under this Act on a memorandum of appeal against an order relating to compensation under any Act for the time being in force for the (Note: See now the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894)) acquisition of land for public purposes, shall be computed according to the difference between the amount awarded and the amount claimed by the appellant.

Section 9 - Power to ascertain net profits of market-value

If the Court sees reason to think that the annual net profits or the market-value of any such land, house or garden as is mentioned in section 7, paragraphs (v) and (vi) have or has been wrongly estimated, the Court may, for the purpose of computing the fee payable in any suit therein mentioned, issue a commission as may be necessary, and to report thereon to the Court.

Section 10 - Procedure where net profits or market-value wrongly estimated

(I)      If in the result of any such investigation the Court finds that the net profits or market-value have or has been wrongly estimated, the Court, if the estimation has been excessive, may in its discretion refund the excess paid as such fee: but, if the estimation has been insufficient, the Court shall require the plaintiff to pay so much additional fee as would have been payable had the said market-value or net profits been rightly estimated.

 

(II)     In such case the suit shall be stayed until the additional fee is paid. If the additional fee is not paid within such time as the Court shall fix, the suit shall be dismissed.

[13] [* * * ]

Section 11 - Procedure in suits for mesne profits or account when amount decreed exceeds amount claimed

 

In suits for mesne profits or for immovable property and mesne profits, or for an account, if the profits or amount decreed are or is in excess of the profits claimed or the amount at which the plaintiff valued the relief sought, the decree shall not be executed until the difference between the fee actually paid and the fee which would have been payable had the suit comprised the whole of the profits or amount so decreed shall have been paid to the proper officer.

Where the amount of mesne profits is left to be ascertained in the course of the execution of the decree, if the profits so ascertained exceed the profits claimed, the further execution of the decree shall be stayed until the difference between the fee actually paid and the fee which would have been payable had the suit comprised the whole of the profits so ascertained is paid. If the additional fee is not paid within such time as the Court shall fix, the suit shall be dismissed.

Section 12 - Decision of questions as to valuation

(I)      Every question relating to valuation for the purpose of determining the amount of any fee chargeable under this Chapter on a plaint or memorandum of appeal, shall be decided by the Court in which such plaint or memorandum, as the case may be, is filed, and such decision shall be final as between the parties to the suit.

 

(II)     But whenever any such suit comes before a Court of appeal, reference or revision, if such Court considers that the said question has been wrongly decided, to the detriment of the revenue, it shall require the party by whom such fee has been paid to pay so much additional fee as would have been payable had the question been rightly decided, and the provisions of section 10, (ii), shall apply.

Section 13 - Refund of fee paid on memorandum of appeal

If an appeal or plaint, which has been rejected by the lower Court on any of the grounds mentioned in the (Note: See now the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act 5 of 1908)) Code of Civil Procedure, is ordered to be received, or if a suit is remanded in appeal on any of the grounds mentioned in section 351 of the same Code, for a second decision by the lower Court, the Appellate Court shall grant to the appellant a certificate, authorizing him to receive back from the Collector the full amount of fee paid on the memorandum of appeal:

Provided that, if, in the case of a remand in appeal, the order of remand shall not cover the whole of the subject-matter of the suit, the certificate so granted shall not authorize the appellant to receive back more than so much fee as would have been originally payable on the part or parts of such subject-matter in respect whereof the suit has been remanded.

 

Section 14 - Refund of fee on application for review of judgment

Where an application for a review of judgment is presented on or after the ninetieth day from the date of the decree, the Court unless the delay was caused by the applicant's laches, may, in its discretion, grant him a certificate authorizing him to receive back from the Collector so much of the fee paid on the application as exceeds the fee which would have been payable had it been presented before such day.

Section 15 - Refund where Court reverses or modifies its former decision on ground of mistake

Where an application for a review of judgment is admitted, and where, on the rehearing, the Court reverses or modifies its former decision on the ground of mistake in law or fact, the applicant shall be entitled to a certificate from the Court authorizing him to receive back from the Collector so much of the fee paid on the [(Note: Subs. by Act 20 of 1870, s. 1, for "plaint or memorandum of appeal".) application] as exceeds the fee payable on any other application to such Court under the Second Schedule to this Act, No. 1, clause (b) or clause (d).

But nothing in the former part of this section shall entitle the applicant to such certificate where the reversal or modification is due, wholly or in part, to fresh evidence which might have been produced at the original hearing.

Section 16 - Refund of fee

 

 z[14] [16. Refund of fee.

Where the Court refers the parties to the suit to any one of the mode of settlement of dispute referred to in section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), the plaintiff shall be entitled to a certificate from the Court authorising him to receive back from the Collector, the full amount of the fee paid in respect of such plaint.]

Section 17 - Multifarious suits

Where a suit embraces two or more distinct subjects, the plaint or memorandum of appeal shall be chargeable with the aggregate amount of the fees to which the plaints or memoranda of appeal in suits embracing separately each of such subjects would be liable under this Act.

Nothing in the former part of this section shall be deemed to affect the power conferred by the (Note: See now the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act 5 of 1908) Code of Civil Procedure, section 9.

Section 18 - Written examinations of complainants

When the first or only examination of a person who complaints of the offence of wrongful confinement, or of wrongful restraint, or of any offence other than an offence for which police-officers may arrest without a warrant, and who has not already presented a petition on which fee has been levied under this Act, is reduced to writing under the provisions of the (Note: See now the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act 2 of 1974) Code of Criminal Procedure, the complainant, shall pay a fee of eight annas, unless the Court thinks fit to remit such payment.

Section 19 - Exemption of certain documents

Nothing contained in the Act shall render the following documents chargeable with any fee:-

(i)       Power-of-attorney to institute or defend a suit when executed [15] [by a member of any of the Armed Forces of the Union] not in civil employment.

[16] [* * * ]

(iii) Written statements called for by the Court after the first hearing of a suit.

[17] [* * * ]

(v) Plaints in suits tried by [18]Village Munsiffs in the Presidency of Fort St. George.

(vi) Plaints and processes in suits before District Panchayats in the same Presidency.

(vii) Plaints in suits before Collectors under Madras Regulation XII of 1816.

(viii) Probate of a will, letters of administration, [19] [and, save as regards debts and securities, a certificate under Bombay Regulation VIII of 1827], where the amount or value of the property in respect of which the probate or letters or certificate shall be granted does not exceed one thousand rupees.

(ix)? ?Application or petition to a Collector or other officer making a settlement of land-revenue, or to a Board of Revenue, or a Commissioner of Revenue, relating to matters connected with the assessment of land, or the ascertainment of rights thereto or interests therein, if presented previous to the final confirmation of such settlement.

(x)?? ?Application relating to a supply for irrigation of water belonging to Government.

(xi) ?Application for leave to extend cultivation, or to relinquish land, when presented to an officer of land-revenue by a person holding, under direct engagement with Government, land of which the revenue is settled but not permanently.

(xii) ?Application for service of notice of relinquishment of land or of enhancement of rent.

(xiii) Written authority to an agent to distrain.

(xiv) First application (other than a petition containing a criminal charge or information) for the summons of a witness or other person to attend either to give evidence or to produce a document, or in respect of the production or filing of an exhibit not being an affidavit made for the immediate purpose of being produced in Court.

(xv) Bail-bonds in criminal cases, recognizance's to prosecute or give evidence, and recognizance's for personal appearance or otherwise.

(xvi) Petition, application, charge or information respecting any offence, when presented, made or laid to or before a police-officer, or to or before the Heads of Villages or the Village Police in the territories respectively subject to the Governors in Council of Madras and Bombay.

(xvii) Petition by a prisoner, or other person in duress or under restraint of any Court or its officers.

(xviii) Complaint of a public servant (as defined in the Indian Penal Code), a municipal officer, or an officer or servant of a Railway Company.

(xix) Application for permission to cut timber in Government forests, or otherwise relating to such forests.

(xx) Application for the payment of money due by Government to the applicant.

(xxi) Petition of appeal against the chaukidari assessment under [20]Act, No. 20 of 1856, or against any municipal tax.

(xxii) Applications for compensation under any law for the time being in force relating to the [21]acquisition of property for public purposes.

(xxiii) Petitions presented to the Special Commissioner appointed under [22]Bengal Act No. 2 of 1869 (to ascertain, regulate and record certain tenures in Chota Nagpur).

[23] [Petitions under the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, (15 of 1872) sections 45 and 48.]

 

Chapter IIIA - PROBATES, LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION AND CERTIFICATES OF ADMINISTRATION

 

Section 19A - Relief where too high a court-fee has been paid

Where any person on applying for the probate of a will or letters of administration has estimated the property of the deceased to be of greater value than the same has afterwards proved to be, and has consequently paid too high a court-fee thereon, if within six months after the true value of the property has been ascertained, such person produces the probate or letters to the Chief Controlling Revenue Authority [24] [for the local area] in which the probate or letters has or have been granted,and delivers to such Authority a particular inventory and valuation of the property of the deceased, verified by affidavit or affirmation,and if such Authority is satisfied that a greater fee was paid on the probate or letters than the law required,the said Authority may-

(a)      Cancel the stamp on the probate or letters, if such stamp has not been already cancelled;

 

(b)      Substitute another stamp for denoting the court-fee which should have been paid thereon; and

 

(c)      make an allowance for the difference between them as in the case of spoiled stamps, or repay the same in money, at his discretion.

Section 19B - Relief where debts due from a deceased person have been paid out of his estate

Whenever it is proved to the satisfaction of such Authority that an executor or administrator has paid debts due from the deceased to such an amount as, being deducted out of the amount or value of the estate, reduces the same to a sum which, if it had been the whole gross amount or value of the estate, would have occasioned a less court-fee to be paid on the probate or letters of administration granted in respect of such estate than has been actually paid thereon under this Act,Such Authority may return the difference, provided the same be claimed within three years after the date of such probate or letters.

But when, by reason of any legal proceeding, the debts due from the deceased have not been ascertained and paid, or his effects have not been recovered and made available, and in consequence thereof the executor or administrator is prevented from claiming the return of such difference within the said term of three years, the said Authority may allow such further time for making the claim as may appear to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Section 19C - Relief in case of several grants

Whenever [25] [* * *] a grant of probate or letters of administration has been or is made in respect of the whole of the property belonging to an estate, and the full fee chargeable under this Act has been or is paid thereon, no fee shall be chargeable under the same Act when a like grant is made in respect of the whole or any part of the same property belonging to the same estate.

Whenever such a grant has been or is made in respect of any property forming part of an estate, the amount of fees then actually paid under this Act shall be deducted when a like grant is made in respect of property belonging to the same estate, identical with or including the property to which the former grant relates.

Section 19D - Probates declared valid as to trust-property though not covered by court-fee

The probate of the will, or the letters of administration of the effects, of any person deceased heretofore or hereafter granted shall be deemed valid and available by his executors or administrators for recovering, transferring or assigning any moveable or immovable property whereof or whereto the deceased was possessed or entitled, either wholly or partially as a trustee, notwithstanding the amount or value of such property is not included in the amount or value of the estate in respect of which a court-fee was paid on such probate or letters of administration.

 

Section 19E - Provision for case where too low a court-fee has been paid on probates, etc.

Where any person on applying for probate or letters of administration has estimated the estate of the deceased to be of less value than the same has afterwards proved to be, and has in consequence paid too low a court-fee thereon, the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority [26] [for the local area] in which the probate or letters has or have been granted, may, on the value of the estate of the deceased being verified by affidavit or affirmation, cause the probate or letters of administration to be duly stamped on payment of the full court-fee which ought to have been originally paid thereon in respect of such value and of the further penalty, if the probate or letters is or are produced within one year from the date of the grant, of five times, or if it or they is or are produced after one year from such date, of twenty times, such proper court-fee, without deduction of the court-fee originally paid on such probate or letters:

Provided that, if the application be made within six months after the ascertainment of the true value of the estate and the discovery that too low a court-fee was at first paid on the probate or letters, and if the said Authority is satisfied that such fee was paid in consequence of a mistake or of its not being known at the time that some particular part of the estate belonged to the deceased, and without any intention of fraud or to delay the payment of the proper court-fee, the said Authority may remit the said penalty, and cause the probate or letters to be duly stamped on payment only of the sum wanting to make up the fee which should have been at first paid thereon.

Section 19F - Administrator to give proper security before letters stamped under section 19E

In case of letters of administration on which too low a court-fee has been paid at first, the said Authority shall not cause the same to be duly stamped in manner aforesaid until the administrator has given such security to the Court by which the letters of administration have been granted as ought by law to have been given on the granting thereof in case the full value of the estate of the deceased had been than ascertained.

 

Section 19G - Executors, etc., not paying full court-fee on probates, etc., within six months after discovery of under-payment

Where too low a court-fee has been paid on any probate or letters of administration in consequence of any mistake, or of its not being known at the time that some particular part of the estate belonged to the deceased, if any executor or administrator acting under such probate or letters does not, within six months [27] [* * *] after the discovery of the mistake or of any effects not known at the time to have belonged to the deceased, apply to the said Authority and pay what is wanting to make up the court-fee which ought to have been paid at first on such probate or letters, he shall forfeit the sum of one thousand rupees and also a further sum at the rate of ten rupees per cent, on the amount of the sum wanting to make up the proper court-fee.

Section 19H - Notice of applications for probate or letters of administration to be given to Revenue-authorities; and procedure thereon

[28] [19-H. Notice of applications for probate or letters of administration to be given to Revenue-authorities; and procedure thereon.

(1)     Where an application for probate or letters of administration is made to any Court other than a High Court, the Court shall cause notice of the application to be given to the Collector.

 

(2)     Where such an application as aforesaid is made to a High Court, the High Court shall cause notice of the application to be given to the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority [29] [for the local area in which the High Court is situated].

 

(3)     The Collector within the local limits of whose revenue-jurisdiction the property of the deceased or any part thereof is, may at any time inspect or cause to be inspected, and take or cause to be taken copies of, the record of any case in which application for probate or letters of administration has been made; and if, on such inspection or otherwise, he is of opinion that the petitioner has under estimated the value of the property of the deceased, the Collector may, if he thinks fit, require the attendance of the petitioner (either in person or by agent) and take evidence and inquire into the matter in such manner as he may think fit, and, if he is still of opinion that the value of the property has been under-estimated, may require the petitioner to amend the valuation.

 

(4)     If the petitioner does not amend the valuation to the satisfaction of the Collector, the Collector may move the Court before which the application for probate or letters of administration was made, to hold an inquiry into the true value of the property:

Provided that no such motion shall be made after the expiration of six months from the date of the exhibition of the inventory required by section 277 of the Indian Succession Act, 1865 (10 of 1865)[30], or, as the case may be, by section 98 of the Probate and Administration Act, 1881 (5 of 1881)[31].

(5)     The Court, when so moved as aforesaid, shall hold, or cause to be held, an inquiry accordingly, and shall record a finding as to the true value, as near as may be, at which the property of the deceased should have been estimated. The Collector shall be deemed to be a party to the inquiry.

 

(6)     For the purposes of any such inquiry, the Court or person authorized by the Court to hold the inquiry may examine the petitioner for probate or letters of administration on oath (whether in person or by commission), and may take such further evidence as may be produced to prove the true value of the property. The person authorized as aforesaid to hold the inquiry shall return to the Court the evidence taken by him and report the result of the inquiry, and such report and the evidence taken by him and report the result of the inquiry, and such report and the evidence so taken shall be evidence in the proceeding, and the Court may record a finding in accordance with the report, unless it is satisfied that it is erroneous.

 

(7)     The finding of the Court recorded under sub-section (5) shall be final, but shall not bar the entertainment and disposal by the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority of any application under section 19E.

 

(8)     The State Government may make rules for the guidance of Collectors in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3).

Section 19I - Payment of court-fees in respect of probates and letters of administration

(1)     No order entitling the petitioner to the grant of probate or letters of administration shall be made upon an application for such grant until the petitioner has filed in the Court a valuation of the property in the form set forth in the Third Schedule, and the Court is satisfied that the fee mentioned in No. 11 of the First Schedule has been paid on such valuation.

 

(2)     The grant of probate or letters of administration shall not be delayed by reason of any motion made by the Collector under section 19H, sub-section (4).

Section 19J - Recovery of penalties, etc.

(1)     Any excess fee found to be payable on an inquiry held under section 19H, sub-section (6), and any penalty or forfeiture under section 19G may, on the certificate of the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority, be recovered from the executor or administrator as if it were an arrear of land-revenue by any Collector [32] [* * *].

 

(2)     The Chief Controlling Revenue-authority may remit the whole or any part of any such penalty or forfeiture as aforesaid, or any part of any penalty under section 19E or of any court-fee which ought to have been paid.

Section 19K - Sections 6 and 28 not to apply to probates or letters of administration

Nothing in section 6 or section 28 shall apply to probates or letters of administration.]

Chapter IV - PROCESS FEES

 

Section 20 - Rules as to costs of processes

The High Court shall, as soon as may be, make rules as to the following matters:-

(i)       The fees chargeable for serving and executing processes issued by such Court in its appellate jurisdiction and by the other Civil and Revenue Courts established within the local limits of such jurisdiction;

 

(ii)      the fees chargeable for serving and executing processes issued by the Criminal Courts established within such limits in the case of offences other than offences for which police-officers any arrest without a warrant: and

 

(iii)     the remuneration of the peons and all other persons employed by leave of a Court in the service or execution of processes.

The High Court may from time to time alter and add to the rules so made.

Confirmation and publication of rules-All such rules, alterations and additions shall, after being confirmed by the State Government [33] [* * *] be published in the Official Gazette, and shall there-upon have the force of law.

Until such rules shall be so made and published, the fees now leviable for serving and executing processes shall continue to be levied, and shall be deemed to be fees leviable under this Act.

Section 21 - Tables for process fees

A table in the English and Vernacular languages, showing the fees chargeable for such service and execution, shall be exposed to view in a conspicuous part of each Court.

Section 22 - Number of peons in District and subordinate Courts

Subject to rules to be made by the High Court and approved by the State Government [34] [* * *]

every District Judge and every Magistrate of a District shall fix, and may from time to time alter, the number of peons necessary to be employed for the service and execution of processes issued out of his Court and each of the courts subordinate thereto.

Number of peons in Mofussil Small Cause Courts-and for the purpose of this section, very Court of Small Causes established under Act No. 11 of 1865 (to consolidate and amend the law relating to Courts of Small Causes beyond the local limits of the ordinary original civil jurisdiction of the High Courts of Judicature)[35] shall be deemed to be subordinate to the Court of the District Judge.

Section 23 - Number of peons in Revenue Courts

Subject to rules[36] to be framed by the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority and approved by the State Government [37] [* * *], every officer performing the functions of a Collector of a District shall fix, and may from time to time alter, the number of peons necessary to be employed for the service and execution of processes issued out of his Court or the Courts subordinate to him.

Section 24 - [Process served under this Chapter to be held to be process within meaning of Code of Civil Procedure.]

Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (12 of 1891), s. 2 and Sch. I.

 

Chapter V - OF THE MODE OF LEVYING FEES

 

Section 25 - Collection of fees by stamps

All fees referred to in section 3 or chargeable under this Act shall be collected by stamps.

Section 26 - Stamps to be impressed or adhesive

The stamps used to denote any fees chargeable under this Act shall be impressed or adhesive, or partly impressed and party adhesive, as the [38] [Appropriate Government] may, by notification in the Official Gazette, from time to time direct[39].

Section 27 - Rules for supply, number, renewal and keeping accounts of stamps

The [40] [Appropriate Government] may, from time to time, make rules for regulating-

(a)      The supply of stamps to be used under this Act;

 

(b)      The number of stamps to be used for denoting any fee chargeable under this Act;

 

(c)      The renewal of damaged or spoiled stamps; and

 

(d)      The keeping accounts of all stamps used under this Act:

Provided that, in the case of stamps used section 3 in a High Court, such rules shall be made with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of such Court.

All such rules shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall thereupon have the force of law

Section 28 - Stamping documents inadvertently received

No document which ought to bear a stamp under this Act shall be of any validity, unless and until it is properly stamped.

But, if any such document is through mistake or inadvertence received, filed or used in any Court or office without being properly stamped, the presiding Judge or the head of the office, as the case may be, or, in the case of a High Court, any Judge of such Court, may, if he thinks fit, order that such document be stamped as he may direct; and, on such document being stamped accordingly, the same and every proceeding relative thereto shall be as valid as if it had been properly stamped in the first instance.

Section 29 - Amended document

Where any such document is amended in order merely to correct a mistake and to make it conform to the original intention of the parties, is shall not be necessary to impose a fresh stamp

Section 30 - Cancellation of stamp

No document requiring a stamp under this Act shall be filed or acted upon in any proceeding in any Court or office until the stamp has been cancelled.

Such officer as the Court or the head of the office may from time to time appoint shall, on receiving any such document, forthwith effect such cancellation by punching out the figure-head so as to leave the amount designated on the stamp untouched, and the part removed by punching shall be burnt or otherwise destroyed.

Chapter VI - MISCELLANEOUS

Section 31 - [Repayment of fees paid on applications to Criminal Courts.]

Rep. by the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 1923 (18 of 1923) s. 163.

 

Section 32 - [Amendments of Act 8 of 1859 and Act 9 of 1896.]

Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (12 of 1891) s. 2 and Sch. I

 

Section 33 - Admission in criminal cases of documents for which proper fee has not been paid

Whenever the filing or exhibition in a Criminal Court of a document in respect of which the proper fee has not been paid is, in the opinion of the presiding Judge, necessary to prevent a failure of justice, nothing contained in section 4 or section 6 shall be deemed to prohibit such filing or exhibition.

Section 34 - Sale of stamps

[41] [34.Sale of stamps.

(1)     The [42] [Appropriate Government] may from time to time make rules for regulating the sale of stamps to be used under this Act, the person by whom alone such sale is to be conducted, and the duties and remuneration of such persons.

 

(2)     All such rules shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall there upon have the force of law.

 

(3)     Any person appointed to sell stamps who disobeys any rule made under this section, and any person not so appointed who sells or officers for sale any stamp, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.]

Section 35 - Power to reduce or remit fees

The [43] [Appropriate Government] may, from time to time by notification in-the Official Gazette, reduce or remit, in the whole or in any part of [44] [the territories under its administration], all or any of the fees mentioned in the First and Second Schedules to this Act annexed, and may in like manner cancel or vary such order.

Section 36 - Saving of fees to certain officers of High Courts

Nothing in Chapters II and V of this Act applies to the Commission payable to the Accountant General of the High Court of Fort William, or to the fees which any officer of a High Court is allowed to receive in addition to a fixed salary.

 

Schedule I - Schedule I

 

Schedule-I[45]

Part 'A'

Table of rates of ad valorem fees leviable on the institution of suits.

 

The amount or value of the subject matter When the amount or value,-

Proper fee

Maximum leviable fee

(a)

exceeds one rupee, but does not exceed ten thousand rupees;

Two and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding one rupee.

Two hundred and fifty rupees.

 

The amount or value of the subject matter When the amount or value,-

Proper fee

Maximum leviable fee

(b)

exceeds ten thousand rupees, but does not exceed twenty thousand rupees;

Two hundred and fifty rupees plus three and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding ten thousand rupees.

Six hundred rupees.

(c)

exceeds twenty thousand rupees, but does not exceed thirty thousand rupees;

Six hundred rupees plus four and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding twenty thousand rupees.

One thousand and fifty rupees.

(d)

exceeds thirty thousand rupees, but does not exceed forty thousand rupees;

One thousand and fifty rupees plus five and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding thirty thousand rupees.

One thousand and six hundred rupees.

(e)

exceeds forty thousand rupees, but does not exceed fifty thousand rupees;

One thousand and six hundred rupees plus six and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding forty thousand rupees.

Two thousand, Two hundred and fifty rupees.

(f)

exceeds fifty thousand rupees, but does not exceed sixty thousand rupees;

Two thousand, two hundred and fifty rupees plus seven and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding fifty thousand rupees.

Three thousand, Rupees.

(g)

exceeds sixty thousand rupees, but does not exceed seventy five thousand rupees;

Three thousand rupees plus six and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding sixty thousand rupees.

Three thousand, Nine hundred and seventy five rupees.

 

The amount or value of the subject matter When the amount or value,-

Proper fee

Maximum leviable fee

(h)

exceeds seventy five thousand rupees, but does not exceed one lac rupees;

Three thousand, nine hundred and seventy five rupees plus five and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding seventy five thousand rupees.

Five thousand, three hundred and fifty rupees.

(i)

exceeds one lac rupees, but does not exceed two lac rupees;

Five thousand, three hundred and fifty rupees plus three and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding one lac rupees.

Eight thousand, Eight hundred and fifty rupees

(j)

exceeds two lac rupees, but does not exceed three lac rupees;

Eight thousand, eight hundred and fifty rupees plus two and a quarter per centum of the amount exceeding two lac rupees.

Eleven thousand and one hundred rupees.

(k)

exceeds three lac rupees, but does not exceed four lac rupees; and

Eleven thousand and one hundred rupees plus two and a quarter per centum of the amount exceeding three lac rupees.

Thirteen thousand, three hundred and fifty rupees.

(l)

exceeds four lac rupees, proper fee leviable shall be thirteen thousand, three hundred and fifty rupees plus two rupees and twenty five nayapaise for each one hundred rupees or part thereof, exceeding four lac.

Part-B

Sr. No.

Purpose for which fee is to be levied

 

Proper fee

1.

Plaint in a suit for possession under the Specific Relief Act, 1963, Section 6.

 

Half of the fee, as specified in Part' 'A' of this Schedule.

2.

Application for review of judgment, if presented before the ninetieth day from the date of decree.

 

Half of the fee as specified in Part' 'A' of this Schedule.

3.

Application for review of judgment, if presented on or after the ninetieth day from the date of decree.

 

Equal to the fee as specified in Part 'A' of this Schedule.

4

Copy of judgment or order not being, or having the force of a decree.

(a) When the judgment or order is passed by any civil court other than the High Court, or by the Presiding Officer of any Revenue Court or Office, or by any other judicial or Executive Authority; and

(b) When such judgment or order is passed by the High Court.

Ten rupees. 

Twenty rupees.

5

Copy of a decree or order having the force of a decree passed by any Civil Court or High Court or by any Revenue Court.

 

Twenty rupees.

6

Copy of the order of the Rent Controller.

 

Twenty rupees.

7

Copy of any document liable to stamp duty under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, when left by any party to a suit or proceeding in place of the original withdrawn; provided such copy is not subject to any duty under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.

(a) When the stamp duty chargeable on the original, does not exceed seventy five paise; and

(b) In any other case.

The duty, chargeable on the original document.

Twenty rupees.

8

Copy of any revenue or judicial proceeding or order, not otherwise provided for by this Act, or copy of any account statement, report or the like, taken from any Civil or Criminal or Revenue Court or office or from the office of any Chief Officer charged with the executive administration of a Division.

(a) for orders upto three years' old; and

(b) for orders beyond three years' old

Thirty rupees.

One hundred and fifty rupees.

9

Probate of a will or letters administration with or without will annexed

(a) When the amount of or value of the property in respect of which, the grant of probate or letters is made, exceeds one thousand rupees, but does not exceed ten thousand rupees;

(b) When such amount or value exceeds ten thousand rupees, but does not exceed fifty thousand rupees; and

Two and one-half per centum on such amount or value.

Three and one quarter per centum on such amount or value.

 

 

(c) When such amount or value exceeds fifty thousand rupees:

Provided that when after the grant of a certificate under Part X of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, or under the Bombay Regulation No. VIII of 1827 in respect of any property included in an estate, a grant of probate or letters of administration is made in respect of the same estate, the fee payable in respect of the latter grant, shall be reduced by the amount of the fee, paid in respect of the former grant

Four per centum on such amount or value.

10.

Certificate under Part X of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925)

In any case

Two and one-half per centum on the amount or value of any debt or security, specified in the certificate under section 374 of the Act and four per centum on the amount or value of any debt or security to which the certificate is extended under section 376 of the Act.

 

 

 

Note:

(i) The amount of a debt is its amount, including interest, on the day on which the inclusion of the debt in the certificate is applied for, so far as such amount can be ascertained.

(ii) Whether or not any power with respect to a security, specified in a certificate has been conferred under the Act, and

where such a power has been so conferred, whether the power is for the receiving of interest or dividends on, or for the negotiation or transfer of, the security, or for both purposes, the value of the security is its market value on the day on which, the inclusion of the security in the certificate is applied for, so far as such value can be ascertained.

11.

Application to the High Court for the exercise its jurisdiction under section 44 of the Punjab Courts Act, 1918 (Punjab Act 6 of 1918) or to the Court of the Financial Commissioner for the exercise of its revisional jurisdiction under section 84 of the Punjab Tenancy Act, 1887 (Act 16 of 1887).

When the amount exceeds one thousand rupees.

Ten rupees

 

 

Schedule II - Schedule II

 

 

SCHEDULE-II[46]

Fixed Fees

 

Sr. No

Purpose for which fee is to be levied

 

Proper fee

1.

Application or petition

(a) (i) When presented to any officer of the Customs Department or Excise Department or to any Magistrate by any person having dealings with the Government, where in the subject matter of such application or petition relates exclusively to those dealings;

Ten Rupees

 

 

(ii) When presented to any Revenue Officer by any person holding temporarily settled land under direct engagement with Government, wherein the subject matter of such application or petition relates exclusively to such engagement;

Ten Rupees

 

 

(iii) When presented to Municipal Com-missioner under the relevant Act for the time being in force for the conservancy or improvement of any place, wherein the subject matter of such application or petition relates to such conservancy or improvement; and

Ten Rupees

 

 

 

(iv) When presented to any Civil, Criminal or Revenue Court, or to any Board or executive officer for the purpose of obtaining a copy of any judgment, decree or order passed by such Court, Board or Officer, as the case may be, or of any other document or record in such Court, Board or Office.

Ten Rupees

 

 

(b) (i) When containing a complaint or charge of any offence other than an offence for which police officer may, under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, arrest without warrant and presented to any criminal court;

Ten Rupees.

 

 

(ii) When presented to a Civil, Criminal or Revenue Court, or any revenue officer or to any Magistrate in his executive capacity, and not otherwise provided for by this Act; or to deposit in court, revenue or rent; or for determination by a Court of the amount of compensation, to be paid by a landlord to his tenant; and

Ten Rupees.

 

 

(iii) When presented to a Commissioner or Chief Controlling Revenue Authority or Executive Authority or to a Commissioner of Revenue and not otherwise provided for by this Act; and

Ten Rupees.

 

 

(c) When presented to the High Court,-

(i) Under the Companies Act, 1956 for winding up a company;

One Thousand rupees

 

 

(ii) Under the said Act for taking some other judicial action;

Two hundred rupees.

 

 

(iii) Under article 226 of the Constitution of India other than the petition for habeas corpus and petition arising out of criminal proceedings; and

(iv) in all other cases.

One hundred rupees.

Twenty five rupees.

2.

Application to any Civil Court for calling recording from another.

When the Court grants the application and is of opinion that the trans-mission of such records involves the use of the post.

Ten Rupees.

3.

Application for leave to sue as a pauper.

 

Ten Rupees.

4.

Application for leave to appeal as a pauper.

(a) When presented to a District Court; and

(b) When presented to a Commissioner or the High Court

Ten Rupees.

Fifty Rupees.

5.

Plaint or memorandum of appeal in a suit to establish or disprove a right of occupancy.

 

Fifty Rupees.

6.

Undertaking under S. 49 of the Divorce Act, 1869.

 

Fifty Rupees

7.

Mukhtamama or Wakalatnama:-

When presented for the conduct of any one case-

(a) to any Civil or Criminal Court or to any Revenue Court, or to any Collector or Magistrate, or other executive officer, or to a Commissioner of Revenue, or Customs, or to any officer, not being the Chief Revenue or Executive Authority, except such, as are mentioned in clause (b); and

Ten Rupees.

 

 

(b) to a High Court, Commissioner, Board of Revenue, or other Chief Controlling Revenue or Executive Authority.

Twenty rupees.

8.

Memorandum of appeal when the appeal is not from a decree or an order having the force of a decree, and is presented-

(a) to any Civil Court other than a High Court, or to any Revenue Court or Executive Officer other than the High Court or Chief Controlling Revenue or Executive Authority; and

(b) to the High Court or Commissioner or other Chief Controlling Executive or Revenue Authority.

Ten Rupees.

Twenty rupees.

9.

Caveat.

 

Twenty five rupees.

10.

Petition in a suit under the Converts Marriage Dissolution Act, 1866.

 

Twenty five rupees.

11.

Every petition or application or memorandum of appeal under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 (43 of 1954) or the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (25 of 1955).

 

Fifty rupees.

12.

Plaint or Memorandum of appeal in each of the following suits-

(i) to alter or set aside a summary decision or order of any of the Civil Courts, not established by Letters Patent or of any Revenue Court;

 

Ten rupees.

 

(ii) to alter or cancel any entry in a register of the names of the proprietors of revenue paying estates;

 

Fifty rupees.

 

(iii) to obtain a declaratory decree when no consequential relief is prayed;

 

Fifty rupees.

 

(iv) to set aside an award;

 

Fifty rupees.

 

(v) to set aside an adoption deed; and

 

Fifty rupees.

 

(vi) every other suit where it is not possible to estimate the money-value, the subject matter in dispute, and which is not otherwise provided for by this Act.

 

Fifty rupees.

13.

Application under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (26 of 1996).

 

Fifty rupees.

14,

Agreement in writing stating a question for the opinion of the Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

 

Fifty rupees.

15.

Every petition under the Divorce Act, 1869, except petition under section 44 of the aforesaid Act, and every memorandum of appeal under section 55 of the same Act.

 

One hundred rupees.

16.

Plaint or memorandum of appeal under the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 (III of 1936).

 

Five hundred rupees.

17.

Plaint or memorandum of appeal in a suit by a reversioner under the Punjab Customary Law for declaration in respect of an alienation of ancestral land.

 

Five hundred rupees.

18.

Application or memorandum of appeal for relief under the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949:

 

Fifty rupees.

19.

Claim for money (whether secured or unsecured) or counter claims under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (Act X of 1949).

(a) where the amount exceeds five hundred rupees, but does not exceed two thousand and five hundred rupees;

(b) where the amount exceeds two thousand and five hundred rupees, but does not exceed ten thousand rupees; and

(c) where the amount exceeds ten thousand Rupees

Fifty rupees.

One hundred rupees.

Two hundred rupees.

20.

Memorandum of Appeal from an order or decision passed under the provisions of section 45-B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (Act X of 1949)

(a) where the amount exceeds five thousand rupees, but does not exceed ten thousand rupees; and

(b) where the amount exceeds ten thousand rupees

One hundred rupees.

Two hundred rupees.

21.

Application, petition, appeal and revision before any court, public officer or authority or body, appointed under any Central or State Act for the time being in force

(a) for application or petition; and

(b) for appeal for revision

Ten rupees.

Ten rupees.

22.

Complaint under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

 

Fifty rupees"

3. Repeal of Punjab Act 13 of 2009. The Court Fees (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2009 (Punjab Act No. 13 of 2009), repealed.

 

Schedule III - Schedule III

 

Schedule-III

(See SECTION 19-I)

Form Of Valuation (To Be Used With Such Modifications, If Any, As May Be Necessary)

In the Court of,

Re: Probate of the Will of

(or administration of the) deceased

I

 

solemnly affirm

 

 

make oath

1.        and say that I am the executor (or one of the executors or one of the next-of-kin) of, deceased, and that I have truly set forth in Annexure A to this affidavit all the property and credits of which the above named deceased died possessed or was entitled to at the time of his death, and which have come, or are likely to come, to my hands.

 

2.        I further say that I have also truly set forth in Annexure B all the items I am by law allowed to deduct.

 

3.        I further say that the said assets, exclusive only of such last-mentioned items, but inclusive of all rents, interest, dividends and increased values since the date of the death of the said deceased, are under the value of

 

Annexure A - Annexure A

 

 

ANNEXURE A

Valuation Of The Movable And Immovable Property Of Deceased

 

Rs.

A.

P.

Cash in the house and at the banks, household goods, wearing apparel, books, plate, jewels, etc..................

 

 

 

(State estimated value according to best of Executor's or Administrator's belief)

 

 

 

Property in Government securities transferable at the Public Delhi Office..................

 

 

 

(State description and value at the price of the day; also the interest separately, calculating it to the time of making the application.)

 

 

 

Immovable property, consisting of.................

 

 

 

(State description, giving, in the case of house, the assessed value, if any, and the number of year's assessment the market value is estimated at, and in the case of land, the area, the market-value and all rents that have accrued.)

 

 

 

Leasehold property...............................................

 

 

 

(if the deceased held any leases for year determinable, state the number of year's purchase the profit rents are estimated to be worth and the value of such, inserting separately arrears due to the date of death and all rents received or due since that date to the time of making the application.)

 

 

 

Property in pubic companies...................................

 

 

 

(State the particulars and the value calculated at the price of the day; also the interest separately, calculating it to the time making the application.)

 

 

 

Policy of insurance upon life, money out on mortgage and other securities, such bonds, mortgage, bills, notes and other securities for money.................................

 

 

 

(State the amount of the whole; also the interest separately, calculating it to the time of making the application.)

 

 

 

Book debts.......................................................

 

 

 

(Other than bad.)

 

 

 

Stock in trade.............................................

 

 

 

(State the estimated value, if any.)

 

 

 

Other property not comprised under the foregoing heads...

 

 

 

(State the estimated value, if any.)

 

 

 

Total ...

 

 

 

Deduct amount shown in Annexure B not subject to duty

 

 

 

Net Total ...

 

 

 

 

Annexure B - Annexure B

 

ANNEXURE B

Schedule Of Debts, Etc.

 

Rs.

A.

P.

Amount of debts due and owing from the deceased, payable by law out of the estate

 

 

 

Amount of funeral expenses

 

 

 

Amount of mortgage in cumbrances

 

 

 

Property held in trust not beneficially or with general power to confer a beneficial interest

 

 

 

Other property not subject to duty

 

 

 

Total...

 

 

 

 





[1] Substituted by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 2) Order, 1956, for "Part B States"

[2] ?Inserted by the A.O. 1937

[3] The Original S. 2 relating to repeal of enactments was repealed by the Repealing Act, 1870 (14 of 1870). A section defining "Chief Controlling Revenue-Authority" was added by S. 2 of the Court-fees (Amendment) Act, 1901 (10 of 1901), and was slightly amended by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1917 (24 of 1917). For the definition of the "Chief Controlling Revenue-authority" see now the General Clauses Act, 1897 (10 of 1897), S. 3(10). The A.O. 1937 repealed S. 2 as in force elsewhere than in Bengal. In that Province the section substituted by the Court-fees (Bengal Amendment) Act, 1935 (Bengal 7 of 1935), S. 3 contains definitions of "appeal", "Chief Controlling Revenue-authority", "Collector" and "Suit".

[4] Substituted by the A.O. 1950, for "the Courts which are High Courts for the purposes of the Government of India Ct, 1935"

[5] Subs by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 2) Order, 1956, for "High Court for Part A States"

[6] The number "16", rep. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I

[7] See the Presidency Small Cause Courts Act, 1882 (15 of 1882), Chapter X.

[8] Substituted by Act 19 of 1922, s. 2, for "Judgment of two"

[9] The words "and the provision of the Code of Civil Procedure, section thirty-one, shall apply as if, for the word claim," the words relief sought' were substituted" rep. by Act 12 of 1891, Section 2 and Schedule I

[10] See paragraph 8 of the A.O. 1937. In view of this provision the expression "Governor of Bombay in Council" has been left unmodified

[11] Inserted by Act 6 of 1905, Section 2(1)

[12] Substituted by Section 2(2), ibid, for "land"

[13] Cl. (iii) rep. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I.

[14] Section 16 repealed by Act 5 of 1908 and again inserted by Act 46 of 1999, S. 34

[15] Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for "by an officer, warrant-officer, non-commissioned officer or private of Her Majesty's Army"

[16] Cl. (ii) rep. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I

[17] Cl. (iv) rep. by Act 13 of 1889, s. 2 and Sch.

[18] See the Madras Village Courts Act, 1889 (Madras Act 1 of 1889)

[19] Subs. by Act 7 of 1889, s. 13(2), for "and certificate mentioned in the First Schedule of this Act annexed, No. 12"

[20] The Bengal Chaukidari Act, 1856

[21] Now see the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894)

[22] The Chota Nagpur Tenures Act, 1869

[23] Subs. by Act 15 of 1872, s. 2, for the original clause which read as follows:-"Petitions under the 14th and 15th of Victoria, Ch. 40 (an Act for marriages in India), Section 5 or under Act No. 5 of 1852, Section 9".

[24] Subs. by Act 10 of 1901, s. 3(1), for "of the Province"

[25] The word "such" rep. by Act 12 of 1891. s. 2 and Sch. I

[26] Subs. by Act 10 of 1901, S. 3(1), for "of the Province"

[27] The words and figures "after the first day of April, 1875, or" omitted by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I

[28] Inserted by Act 11 of 1899, S. 2

[29] Subs. by Act 10 of 1901, s. 3(2). for "of the Province"

[30] Inserted by Act 11 of 1899, S. 2

[31] See now the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925)

[32] The words "in any part of British India" omitted by the A.O. 1948

[33] The words "and sanctioned by the governor General of India in Council" omitted by Act 38 of 1920, s. 2 and Sch. I

[34] The words "and the Governor General of India in Council" omitted by s. 2 and Sch. I. ibid

[35] The reference to Act 11 of 1865 should now be read as referring to the Provincial Small Cause Courts Act, 1887 (9 of 1887), see S. 2(3) of the Act.

[36] For rules framed under the powers conferred by this Section, see the different local rules & orders,

[37] The words "and the governor General of India in Council," omitted by Act 38 of 1920, s. 2 and Sch. I, Pt. I

[38] Subs. by the A.O. 1937, for "L.G." which had been subs. by Act 38 of 1920. s. 2 and Sch. I, Pt l, for "Governor General of India in Council".

[39] For rules as to levy of Court-fees by adhesive and impressed stamps, see Gazette of India, 1883, Pt. L, P. 189

[40] ?Subs. by the A.O. 1937. for "L G."

[41] Substituted by Act 12 of 1891, S. 2 and Sch. I, for S. 34.

[42] Substituted by the A.O. 1937, for "L.G."

[43] Substituted by the A.O. 1937, for "L.G." which had been subs. by Act 38 of 1920. s. 2 and Sch. I, Rt. l, for "Governor General of India in Council"

[44] Substituted by Act 38 of 1920, s. 2 and Sch. I, for "British India"

[45] Substituted by The Court Fee (Punjab Second Amendment) Act, 2009 (Act No. 1 of 2010) for its application to the State of Punjab vide Notification No. 01-Leg./2010, Dt. 07-01-2010, Published in Punjab Govt. Gazette

[46] Subs. by The Court Fee (Punjab Second Amendment) Act, 2009 (Act No. 1 of 2010) for its application to the State of Punjab vide Notification No. 01-Leg/2010, Dt. 07-01-2010, Published in Punjab Govt. Gazette

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COURT FEES ACT, 1870

Preamble - COURT FEES ACT, 1870

THE COURT FEES ACT, 1870

[Act No. 07 of 1870]

 

Chapter I ? PRELIMINARY

 

Section 1 - Short title.--

This Act may be called The Court Fees Act, 1870.

Extent of Act.-It extends to the whole of India except [1] [the territories which, immediately before the 1stNovember, 1956, were comprised in Part B States].

Commencement of Act-And it shall come into force on the first day of April, 1870.

 

Section 1A - Definition of 'Appropriate Government'

 

[2] [1-A. Definition of 'Appropriate Government'

In this Act "the Appropriate Government" means, in relation to fees or stamps relating to documents presented or to be presented before any officer serving under the Central Government, that Government, and in relation to any other fees or stamps, the State Government.]

Section 2 - Chief Controlling Revenue-authority" defined

[3]"[Chief Controlling Revenue-authority" defined.]

Rep. by the A.O. 1937.

Chapter II - FEES IN THE HIGH COURT AND IN THE COURTS OF SMALL CAUSES AT THE PRESIDENCY-TOWNS

 

Section 3 - Levy of fees in High Courts on their original sides

The fees payable for the time being to the clerks and officers (other than the sheriffs and attorneys) of [4] [the [5] [High Courts other than those of Kerala. Mysore and Rajasthan]], Or chargeable in each of such Courts under No. 11 of the First, and Nos. 7, 12, 14, [6] [*] 20 & 21 of the Second Schedule to this act annexed;

Levy of Fees in Presidency Small Cause Courts.-and the fees the time being chargeable in the Courts of Small Causes at Levy of the Presidency-towns[7] and their several offices;

Shall be collected in manner hereinafter appearing.

Section 4 - Fees on documents filed, etc., in High Courts in their extraordinary jurisdiction;

No document of any of the kinds specified in the First or Second Schedule to this Act annexed, as chargeable with fees, shall be filed, exhibited or recorded in, or shall be received or furnished by, any of the said High Courts in any case coming before such Courts in the exercise of its extraordinary original civil jurisdiction;

or in the exercise of its extraordinary original criminal jurisdiction;

In their appellate jurisdiction;-or in the exercise of its jurisdiction as regards appeals from the [8] [judgment (other than judgments passed in the exercise of the ordinary original civil jurisdiction of the Court) of one] or more Judges of the said Court, or of a Division Court;

Or in the exercise of its jurisdiction as regards appeals from the Courts subject to its superintendence;

As Courts of reference and revision.-or in the exercise of its jurisdiction as a Court of reference or revision'

Unless in respect of such document there be paid a fee of an amount not less than that indicated by either of the said Schedules as the proper fee for such document.

Section 5 - Procedure in case of difference as to necessity or amount of fee

When any difference arises between the officer whose duty it is to see that any fee is paid under this Chapter and any suitor or attorney, as to the necessity of paying a fee or the amount thereof, the question shall, when the difference arises in any of said High Courts, be referred to the taxing-officer, whose decision thereon shall be final, except when the question is, in his opinion, one of general importance, in which case he shall refer it to the final decision of the Chief Justice of such High Court, or of such Judge of the High Court as the Chief Justice shall appoint either generally or specially in this behalf.

When any such difference arises in any of the said Courts of Small Causes, the question shall be referred to the Clerk of the Court, whose decision thereon shall be final, shall refer it to the final decision of the first Judge of such Court.

The Chief Justice shall declare who shall be taxing-officer within the meaning of the first paragraph of this section.

 

Chapter III - FEES IN OTHER COURTS AND IN PUBLIC OFFICES

 

Section 6 - Fees on documents filed, etc., in Mofussil Courts or in public Offices

Except in the Courts hereinbefore mentioned, no document of any of the kinds specified as chargeable in the First or Second Schedule to this Act annexed shall be filed, exhibited or recorded in any Court of Justice, or shall be received or furnished by any public officer, unless in respect of such document there be paid a fee of an amount not less than that indicated by either of the said Schedules as the proper fee for such document.

Section 7 - Computation of fees payable in certain suits

The amount of fee payable under this Act in the suits next hereinafter mentioned shall be computed as follows:-

(i)       for money:-In suits for money (including suits for damages or compensation, or arrears of maintenance, of annuities, or of other sums payable periodically)-according to the amount claimed;

 

(ii)      for maintenance and annuities:-In suits for maintenance and annuities or other sums payable periodically-according to the value of the subject-matter of the suit, and such value shall be deemed to be ten times the amount claimed to be payable for one year;

 

(iii)     for other moveable property having a market-value:-In suits for moveable property other than money, where the subject-matter of the suit, and such value shall be deemed to be ten times the amount claimed to be payable for one year;

 

(iv)    In suits-

 

(a)      for moveable property of no market-value:-for moveable property where the subject-matter has no market-value, as, for instance, in the case of documents relating to title;

 

(b)      to enforce a right to share in joint family property:-to enforce the right to share in any property on the ground that it is joint family property;

 

(c)      for a declaratory decree and consequential relief:-to obtain a declaratory decree or order, where consequential relief is prayed;

 

(d)      for an injunction:-to obtain an injunction;

 

(e)      for easements:-for a right to some benefit (not herein otherwise provided for) to arise out of land; and

 

(f)       for accounts:-for accounts-according to the amount at which the relief sought is valued in the plaint or memorandum of appeal:In all such suits the plaintiff shall state the amount at which he values the relief sought [9] [* * * * *];

 

(v)      for possession of land, houses and gardens;-In suits for the possession of land, houses and gardens-according to the value of the subject-matter; and such value shall be deemed to be-Where the subject-matter is land, and-

 

(a)      Where the land forms an entire estate, or a definite share of an estate, paying annual revenue to Government or forms part of such an estate and is recorded in the Collector's register as separately assessed with such revenue;and such revenue is permanently settled-ten times the revenue so payable:

 

(b)      Where the land forms an entire estate, or a definite share of an estate, paying annual revenue to Government, or forms part of such estate and is recorded as aforesaid,and such revenue is settled, but not permanently-five times the revenue so payable;

 

(c)      Where the land pays no such revenue, or has been partially exempted from such payment, or is charged with any fixed payment in lieu of such revenue, and net profits have arisen from the land during the year next before the date of presenting the plaint fifteen times such net profits;but where no such net profits have arisen therefrom-the amount at which the Court shall estimate the land with reference to the value of similar land in the neighbourhood;

 

(d)      Where the land forms part of an estate paying revenue to Government, but is not a definite share of such estate and is not separately assessed as above-mentioned-the market-value of the land:

Proviso as to Bombay Presidency:-Provided that, in the [10]territories subject to the Governor of Bombay in Council, the value of the land shall be deemed to be--

(1)      Where the land is held on settlement for a period not exceeding thirty years and pays the full assessment to Government--a sum equal to five times the survey-assessment;

 

(2)      Where the land is held on a permanent settlement, or on a settlement for any period exceeding thirty years, and pays the full assessment to Government--a sum equal to ten times the survey assessment; and

 

(3)      Where the whole or any part of the annual survey-assessment is remitted--sum computed under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2) of this proviso, as the case may be, in addition to ten times the assessment, or the portion of assessment, so remitted.

Explanation.-The word "estate", as used in this paragraph, means any land subject to the payment of revenue, for which the proprietor or a farmer or ryot shall have executed a separate engagement to Government, or which, in the absence of such engagement, shall have been separately assessed with revenue;

(e)      for houses and gardens:-where the subject-matter is a house or garden-according to the market-value of the house or garden;

 

(vi)    to enforce a right of pre-emption:-In suits to enforce a right of preemption-according to the value [computed in accordance with paragraph (v) of this section] of the land, house or garden in respect of which the right is claimed;

 

(vii)   for interest of assignee of land-revenue:-In suits for the interest of an assignee of land-revenue fifteen times his net profits as such for the year next before the date of presenting the plaint;

 

(viii)  to set aside an attachment:-In suits to set aside an attachment of land or of an interest in land or revenue-according to the amount for which the land or interest was attached:

Provided that, where such amount exceeds the value of the land or interest, the amount of fee shall be computed as if the suit were for the possession of such land or interest;

(ix)    to redeem:-In suits against a mortgage for the recovery of the property mortgaged,to foreclose.-and in suits by a mortgage to foreclose the mortgage, or, where the mortgage is made by conditional sale, to have the sale declared absolute-according to the principal money expressed to be secured by the instrument of mortgage;

 

(x)      for specific performance:-In suits for specific performance ?

 

(a)      of a contract of sale-according to the amount of the consideration;

 

(b)      of a contract of mortgage--according to the amount agreed to be secured;

(c)      of a contract of lease-according to the aggregate amount of the fine or premium (if any) and of the rent agreed to be paid during the first year of the term;

 

(d)      of an award--according to the amount or value of the property in dispute;

 

(xi)    between landlord and tenant.-- In the following suits between landlord and tenant:-

 

(a)      for the delivery by a tenant of the counterpart of lease,

 

(b)      to enhance the rent of a tenant having a right of occupancy,

 

(c)      for the delivery by a landlord of a lease,

[11] [(cc) for the recovery of immovable property from a tenant, including a tenant holding over after the determination of a tenancy]

(d)      to contest a notice of ejectment.

 

(e)      to recover the occupancy of 4[immovable property] from which a tenant has been illegally ejected by the landlord, and

 

(f)       for abatement of rent --according to the amount of the rent of the [12] [immovable property] to which the suit refers, payable for the year next before the date of presenting the plaint.

 

Section 8 - Fee on memorandum of appeal against order relating to compensation

The amount of fee payable under this Act on a memorandum of appeal against an order relating to compensation under any Act for the time being in force for the (Note: See now the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894)) acquisition of land for public purposes, shall be computed according to the difference between the amount awarded and the amount claimed by the appellant.

Section 9 - Power to ascertain net profits of market-value

If the Court sees reason to think that the annual net profits or the market-value of any such land, house or garden as is mentioned in section 7, paragraphs (v) and (vi) have or has been wrongly estimated, the Court may, for the purpose of computing the fee payable in any suit therein mentioned, issue a commission as may be necessary, and to report thereon to the Court.

Section 10 - Procedure where net profits or market-value wrongly estimated

(I)      If in the result of any such investigation the Court finds that the net profits or market-value have or has been wrongly estimated, the Court, if the estimation has been excessive, may in its discretion refund the excess paid as such fee: but, if the estimation has been insufficient, the Court shall require the plaintiff to pay so much additional fee as would have been payable had the said market-value or net profits been rightly estimated.

 

(II)     In such case the suit shall be stayed until the additional fee is paid. If the additional fee is not paid within such time as the Court shall fix, the suit shall be dismissed.

[13] [* * * ]

Section 11 - Procedure in suits for mesne profits or account when amount decreed exceeds amount claimed

 

In suits for mesne profits or for immovable property and mesne profits, or for an account, if the profits or amount decreed are or is in excess of the profits claimed or the amount at which the plaintiff valued the relief sought, the decree shall not be executed until the difference between the fee actually paid and the fee which would have been payable had the suit comprised the whole of the profits or amount so decreed shall have been paid to the proper officer.

Where the amount of mesne profits is left to be ascertained in the course of the execution of the decree, if the profits so ascertained exceed the profits claimed, the further execution of the decree shall be stayed until the difference between the fee actually paid and the fee which would have been payable had the suit comprised the whole of the profits so ascertained is paid. If the additional fee is not paid within such time as the Court shall fix, the suit shall be dismissed.

Section 12 - Decision of questions as to valuation

(I)      Every question relating to valuation for the purpose of determining the amount of any fee chargeable under this Chapter on a plaint or memorandum of appeal, shall be decided by the Court in which such plaint or memorandum, as the case may be, is filed, and such decision shall be final as between the parties to the suit.

 

(II)     But whenever any such suit comes before a Court of appeal, reference or revision, if such Court considers that the said question has been wrongly decided, to the detriment of the revenue, it shall require the party by whom such fee has been paid to pay so much additional fee as would have been payable had the question been rightly decided, and the provisions of section 10, (ii), shall apply.

Section 13 - Refund of fee paid on memorandum of appeal

If an appeal or plaint, which has been rejected by the lower Court on any of the grounds mentioned in the (Note: See now the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act 5 of 1908)) Code of Civil Procedure, is ordered to be received, or if a suit is remanded in appeal on any of the grounds mentioned in section 351 of the same Code, for a second decision by the lower Court, the Appellate Court shall grant to the appellant a certificate, authorizing him to receive back from the Collector the full amount of fee paid on the memorandum of appeal:

Provided that, if, in the case of a remand in appeal, the order of remand shall not cover the whole of the subject-matter of the suit, the certificate so granted shall not authorize the appellant to receive back more than so much fee as would have been originally payable on the part or parts of such subject-matter in respect whereof the suit has been remanded.

 

Section 14 - Refund of fee on application for review of judgment

Where an application for a review of judgment is presented on or after the ninetieth day from the date of the decree, the Court unless the delay was caused by the applicant's laches, may, in its discretion, grant him a certificate authorizing him to receive back from the Collector so much of the fee paid on the application as exceeds the fee which would have been payable had it been presented before such day.

Section 15 - Refund where Court reverses or modifies its former decision on ground of mistake

Where an application for a review of judgment is admitted, and where, on the rehearing, the Court reverses or modifies its former decision on the ground of mistake in law or fact, the applicant shall be entitled to a certificate from the Court authorizing him to receive back from the Collector so much of the fee paid on the [(Note: Subs. by Act 20 of 1870, s. 1, for "plaint or memorandum of appeal".) application] as exceeds the fee payable on any other application to such Court under the Second Schedule to this Act, No. 1, clause (b) or clause (d).

But nothing in the former part of this section shall entitle the applicant to such certificate where the reversal or modification is due, wholly or in part, to fresh evidence which might have been produced at the original hearing.

Section 16 - Refund of fee

 

 z[14] [16. Refund of fee.

Where the Court refers the parties to the suit to any one of the mode of settlement of dispute referred to in section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), the plaintiff shall be entitled to a certificate from the Court authorising him to receive back from the Collector, the full amount of the fee paid in respect of such plaint.]

Section 17 - Multifarious suits

Where a suit embraces two or more distinct subjects, the plaint or memorandum of appeal shall be chargeable with the aggregate amount of the fees to which the plaints or memoranda of appeal in suits embracing separately each of such subjects would be liable under this Act.

Nothing in the former part of this section shall be deemed to affect the power conferred by the (Note: See now the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act 5 of 1908) Code of Civil Procedure, section 9.

Section 18 - Written examinations of complainants

When the first or only examination of a person who complaints of the offence of wrongful confinement, or of wrongful restraint, or of any offence other than an offence for which police-officers may arrest without a warrant, and who has not already presented a petition on which fee has been levied under this Act, is reduced to writing under the provisions of the (Note: See now the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act 2 of 1974) Code of Criminal Procedure, the complainant, shall pay a fee of eight annas, unless the Court thinks fit to remit such payment.

Section 19 - Exemption of certain documents

Nothing contained in the Act shall render the following documents chargeable with any fee:-

(i)       Power-of-attorney to institute or defend a suit when executed [15] [by a member of any of the Armed Forces of the Union] not in civil employment.

[16] [* * * ]

(iii) Written statements called for by the Court after the first hearing of a suit.

[17] [* * * ]

(v) Plaints in suits tried by [18]Village Munsiffs in the Presidency of Fort St. George.

(vi) Plaints and processes in suits before District Panchayats in the same Presidency.

(vii) Plaints in suits before Collectors under Madras Regulation XII of 1816.

(viii) Probate of a will, letters of administration, [19] [and, save as regards debts and securities, a certificate under Bombay Regulation VIII of 1827], where the amount or value of the property in respect of which the probate or letters or certificate shall be granted does not exceed one thousand rupees.

(ix)? ?Application or petition to a Collector or other officer making a settlement of land-revenue, or to a Board of Revenue, or a Commissioner of Revenue, relating to matters connected with the assessment of land, or the ascertainment of rights thereto or interests therein, if presented previous to the final confirmation of such settlement.

(x)?? ?Application relating to a supply for irrigation of water belonging to Government.

(xi) ?Application for leave to extend cultivation, or to relinquish land, when presented to an officer of land-revenue by a person holding, under direct engagement with Government, land of which the revenue is settled but not permanently.

(xii) ?Application for service of notice of relinquishment of land or of enhancement of rent.

(xiii) Written authority to an agent to distrain.

(xiv) First application (other than a petition containing a criminal charge or information) for the summons of a witness or other person to attend either to give evidence or to produce a document, or in respect of the production or filing of an exhibit not being an affidavit made for the immediate purpose of being produced in Court.

(xv) Bail-bonds in criminal cases, recognizance's to prosecute or give evidence, and recognizance's for personal appearance or otherwise.

(xvi) Petition, application, charge or information respecting any offence, when presented, made or laid to or before a police-officer, or to or before the Heads of Villages or the Village Police in the territories respectively subject to the Governors in Council of Madras and Bombay.

(xvii) Petition by a prisoner, or other person in duress or under restraint of any Court or its officers.

(xviii) Complaint of a public servant (as defined in the Indian Penal Code), a municipal officer, or an officer or servant of a Railway Company.

(xix) Application for permission to cut timber in Government forests, or otherwise relating to such forests.

(xx) Application for the payment of money due by Government to the applicant.

(xxi) Petition of appeal against the chaukidari assessment under [20]Act, No. 20 of 1856, or against any municipal tax.

(xxii) Applications for compensation under any law for the time being in force relating to the [21]acquisition of property for public purposes.

(xxiii) Petitions presented to the Special Commissioner appointed under [22]Bengal Act No. 2 of 1869 (to ascertain, regulate and record certain tenures in Chota Nagpur).

[23] [Petitions under the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, (15 of 1872) sections 45 and 48.]

 

Chapter IIIA - PROBATES, LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION AND CERTIFICATES OF ADMINISTRATION

 

Section 19A - Relief where too high a court-fee has been paid

Where any person on applying for the probate of a will or letters of administration has estimated the property of the deceased to be of greater value than the same has afterwards proved to be, and has consequently paid too high a court-fee thereon, if within six months after the true value of the property has been ascertained, such person produces the probate or letters to the Chief Controlling Revenue Authority [24] [for the local area] in which the probate or letters has or have been granted,and delivers to such Authority a particular inventory and valuation of the property of the deceased, verified by affidavit or affirmation,and if such Authority is satisfied that a greater fee was paid on the probate or letters than the law required,the said Authority may-

(a)      Cancel the stamp on the probate or letters, if such stamp has not been already cancelled;

 

(b)      Substitute another stamp for denoting the court-fee which should have been paid thereon; and

 

(c)      make an allowance for the difference between them as in the case of spoiled stamps, or repay the same in money, at his discretion.

Section 19B - Relief where debts due from a deceased person have been paid out of his estate

Whenever it is proved to the satisfaction of such Authority that an executor or administrator has paid debts due from the deceased to such an amount as, being deducted out of the amount or value of the estate, reduces the same to a sum which, if it had been the whole gross amount or value of the estate, would have occasioned a less court-fee to be paid on the probate or letters of administration granted in respect of such estate than has been actually paid thereon under this Act,Such Authority may return the difference, provided the same be claimed within three years after the date of such probate or letters.

But when, by reason of any legal proceeding, the debts due from the deceased have not been ascertained and paid, or his effects have not been recovered and made available, and in consequence thereof the executor or administrator is prevented from claiming the return of such difference within the said term of three years, the said Authority may allow such further time for making the claim as may appear to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Section 19C - Relief in case of several grants

Whenever [25] [* * *] a grant of probate or letters of administration has been or is made in respect of the whole of the property belonging to an estate, and the full fee chargeable under this Act has been or is paid thereon, no fee shall be chargeable under the same Act when a like grant is made in respect of the whole or any part of the same property belonging to the same estate.

Whenever such a grant has been or is made in respect of any property forming part of an estate, the amount of fees then actually paid under this Act shall be deducted when a like grant is made in respect of property belonging to the same estate, identical with or including the property to which the former grant relates.

Section 19D - Probates declared valid as to trust-property though not covered by court-fee

The probate of the will, or the letters of administration of the effects, of any person deceased heretofore or hereafter granted shall be deemed valid and available by his executors or administrators for recovering, transferring or assigning any moveable or immovable property whereof or whereto the deceased was possessed or entitled, either wholly or partially as a trustee, notwithstanding the amount or value of such property is not included in the amount or value of the estate in respect of which a court-fee was paid on such probate or letters of administration.

 

Section 19E - Provision for case where too low a court-fee has been paid on probates, etc.

Where any person on applying for probate or letters of administration has estimated the estate of the deceased to be of less value than the same has afterwards proved to be, and has in consequence paid too low a court-fee thereon, the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority [26] [for the local area] in which the probate or letters has or have been granted, may, on the value of the estate of the deceased being verified by affidavit or affirmation, cause the probate or letters of administration to be duly stamped on payment of the full court-fee which ought to have been originally paid thereon in respect of such value and of the further penalty, if the probate or letters is or are produced within one year from the date of the grant, of five times, or if it or they is or are produced after one year from such date, of twenty times, such proper court-fee, without deduction of the court-fee originally paid on such probate or letters:

Provided that, if the application be made within six months after the ascertainment of the true value of the estate and the discovery that too low a court-fee was at first paid on the probate or letters, and if the said Authority is satisfied that such fee was paid in consequence of a mistake or of its not being known at the time that some particular part of the estate belonged to the deceased, and without any intention of fraud or to delay the payment of the proper court-fee, the said Authority may remit the said penalty, and cause the probate or letters to be duly stamped on payment only of the sum wanting to make up the fee which should have been at first paid thereon.

Section 19F - Administrator to give proper security before letters stamped under section 19E

In case of letters of administration on which too low a court-fee has been paid at first, the said Authority shall not cause the same to be duly stamped in manner aforesaid until the administrator has given such security to the Court by which the letters of administration have been granted as ought by law to have been given on the granting thereof in case the full value of the estate of the deceased had been than ascertained.

 

Section 19G - Executors, etc., not paying full court-fee on probates, etc., within six months after discovery of under-payment

Where too low a court-fee has been paid on any probate or letters of administration in consequence of any mistake, or of its not being known at the time that some particular part of the estate belonged to the deceased, if any executor or administrator acting under such probate or letters does not, within six months [27] [* * *] after the discovery of the mistake or of any effects not known at the time to have belonged to the deceased, apply to the said Authority and pay what is wanting to make up the court-fee which ought to have been paid at first on such probate or letters, he shall forfeit the sum of one thousand rupees and also a further sum at the rate of ten rupees per cent, on the amount of the sum wanting to make up the proper court-fee.

Section 19H - Notice of applications for probate or letters of administration to be given to Revenue-authorities; and procedure thereon

[28] [19-H. Notice of applications for probate or letters of administration to be given to Revenue-authorities; and procedure thereon.

(1)     Where an application for probate or letters of administration is made to any Court other than a High Court, the Court shall cause notice of the application to be given to the Collector.

 

(2)     Where such an application as aforesaid is made to a High Court, the High Court shall cause notice of the application to be given to the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority [29] [for the local area in which the High Court is situated].

 

(3)     The Collector within the local limits of whose revenue-jurisdiction the property of the deceased or any part thereof is, may at any time inspect or cause to be inspected, and take or cause to be taken copies of, the record of any case in which application for probate or letters of administration has been made; and if, on such inspection or otherwise, he is of opinion that the petitioner has under estimated the value of the property of the deceased, the Collector may, if he thinks fit, require the attendance of the petitioner (either in person or by agent) and take evidence and inquire into the matter in such manner as he may think fit, and, if he is still of opinion that the value of the property has been under-estimated, may require the petitioner to amend the valuation.

 

(4)     If the petitioner does not amend the valuation to the satisfaction of the Collector, the Collector may move the Court before which the application for probate or letters of administration was made, to hold an inquiry into the true value of the property:

Provided that no such motion shall be made after the expiration of six months from the date of the exhibition of the inventory required by section 277 of the Indian Succession Act, 1865 (10 of 1865)[30], or, as the case may be, by section 98 of the Probate and Administration Act, 1881 (5 of 1881)[31].

(5)     The Court, when so moved as aforesaid, shall hold, or cause to be held, an inquiry accordingly, and shall record a finding as to the true value, as near as may be, at which the property of the deceased should have been estimated. The Collector shall be deemed to be a party to the inquiry.

 

(6)     For the purposes of any such inquiry, the Court or person authorized by the Court to hold the inquiry may examine the petitioner for probate or letters of administration on oath (whether in person or by commission), and may take such further evidence as may be produced to prove the true value of the property. The person authorized as aforesaid to hold the inquiry shall return to the Court the evidence taken by him and report the result of the inquiry, and such report and the evidence taken by him and report the result of the inquiry, and such report and the evidence so taken shall be evidence in the proceeding, and the Court may record a finding in accordance with the report, unless it is satisfied that it is erroneous.

 

(7)     The finding of the Court recorded under sub-section (5) shall be final, but shall not bar the entertainment and disposal by the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority of any application under section 19E.

 

(8)     The State Government may make rules for the guidance of Collectors in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3).

Section 19I - Payment of court-fees in respect of probates and letters of administration

(1)     No order entitling the petitioner to the grant of probate or letters of administration shall be made upon an application for such grant until the petitioner has filed in the Court a valuation of the property in the form set forth in the Third Schedule, and the Court is satisfied that the fee mentioned in No. 11 of the First Schedule has been paid on such valuation.

 

(2)     The grant of probate or letters of administration shall not be delayed by reason of any motion made by the Collector under section 19H, sub-section (4).

Section 19J - Recovery of penalties, etc.

(1)     Any excess fee found to be payable on an inquiry held under section 19H, sub-section (6), and any penalty or forfeiture under section 19G may, on the certificate of the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority, be recovered from the executor or administrator as if it were an arrear of land-revenue by any Collector [32] [* * *].

 

(2)     The Chief Controlling Revenue-authority may remit the whole or any part of any such penalty or forfeiture as aforesaid, or any part of any penalty under section 19E or of any court-fee which ought to have been paid.

Section 19K - Sections 6 and 28 not to apply to probates or letters of administration

Nothing in section 6 or section 28 shall apply to probates or letters of administration.]

Chapter IV - PROCESS FEES

 

Section 20 - Rules as to costs of processes

The High Court shall, as soon as may be, make rules as to the following matters:-

(i)       The fees chargeable for serving and executing processes issued by such Court in its appellate jurisdiction and by the other Civil and Revenue Courts established within the local limits of such jurisdiction;

 

(ii)      the fees chargeable for serving and executing processes issued by the Criminal Courts established within such limits in the case of offences other than offences for which police-officers any arrest without a warrant: and

 

(iii)     the remuneration of the peons and all other persons employed by leave of a Court in the service or execution of processes.

The High Court may from time to time alter and add to the rules so made.

Confirmation and publication of rules-All such rules, alterations and additions shall, after being confirmed by the State Government [33] [* * *] be published in the Official Gazette, and shall there-upon have the force of law.

Until such rules shall be so made and published, the fees now leviable for serving and executing processes shall continue to be levied, and shall be deemed to be fees leviable under this Act.

Section 21 - Tables for process fees

A table in the English and Vernacular languages, showing the fees chargeable for such service and execution, shall be exposed to view in a conspicuous part of each Court.

Section 22 - Number of peons in District and subordinate Courts

Subject to rules to be made by the High Court and approved by the State Government [34] [* * *]

every District Judge and every Magistrate of a District shall fix, and may from time to time alter, the number of peons necessary to be employed for the service and execution of processes issued out of his Court and each of the courts subordinate thereto.

Number of peons in Mofussil Small Cause Courts-and for the purpose of this section, very Court of Small Causes established under Act No. 11 of 1865 (to consolidate and amend the law relating to Courts of Small Causes beyond the local limits of the ordinary original civil jurisdiction of the High Courts of Judicature)[35] shall be deemed to be subordinate to the Court of the District Judge.

Section 23 - Number of peons in Revenue Courts

Subject to rules[36] to be framed by the Chief Controlling Revenue-authority and approved by the State Government [37] [* * *], every officer performing the functions of a Collector of a District shall fix, and may from time to time alter, the number of peons necessary to be employed for the service and execution of processes issued out of his Court or the Courts subordinate to him.

Section 24 - [Process served under this Chapter to be held to be process within meaning of Code of Civil Procedure.]

Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (12 of 1891), s. 2 and Sch. I.

 

Chapter V - OF THE MODE OF LEVYING FEES

 

Section 25 - Collection of fees by stamps

All fees referred to in section 3 or chargeable under this Act shall be collected by stamps.

Section 26 - Stamps to be impressed or adhesive

The stamps used to denote any fees chargeable under this Act shall be impressed or adhesive, or partly impressed and party adhesive, as the [38] [Appropriate Government] may, by notification in the Official Gazette, from time to time direct[39].

Section 27 - Rules for supply, number, renewal and keeping accounts of stamps

The [40] [Appropriate Government] may, from time to time, make rules for regulating-

(a)      The supply of stamps to be used under this Act;

 

(b)      The number of stamps to be used for denoting any fee chargeable under this Act;

 

(c)      The renewal of damaged or spoiled stamps; and

 

(d)      The keeping accounts of all stamps used under this Act:

Provided that, in the case of stamps used section 3 in a High Court, such rules shall be made with the concurrence of the Chief Justice of such Court.

All such rules shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall thereupon have the force of law

Section 28 - Stamping documents inadvertently received

No document which ought to bear a stamp under this Act shall be of any validity, unless and until it is properly stamped.

But, if any such document is through mistake or inadvertence received, filed or used in any Court or office without being properly stamped, the presiding Judge or the head of the office, as the case may be, or, in the case of a High Court, any Judge of such Court, may, if he thinks fit, order that such document be stamped as he may direct; and, on such document being stamped accordingly, the same and every proceeding relative thereto shall be as valid as if it had been properly stamped in the first instance.

Section 29 - Amended document

Where any such document is amended in order merely to correct a mistake and to make it conform to the original intention of the parties, is shall not be necessary to impose a fresh stamp

Section 30 - Cancellation of stamp

No document requiring a stamp under this Act shall be filed or acted upon in any proceeding in any Court or office until the stamp has been cancelled.

Such officer as the Court or the head of the office may from time to time appoint shall, on receiving any such document, forthwith effect such cancellation by punching out the figure-head so as to leave the amount designated on the stamp untouched, and the part removed by punching shall be burnt or otherwise destroyed.

Chapter VI - MISCELLANEOUS

Section 31 - [Repayment of fees paid on applications to Criminal Courts.]

Rep. by the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Act, 1923 (18 of 1923) s. 163.

 

Section 32 - [Amendments of Act 8 of 1859 and Act 9 of 1896.]

Rep. by the Amending Act, 1891 (12 of 1891) s. 2 and Sch. I

 

Section 33 - Admission in criminal cases of documents for which proper fee has not been paid

Whenever the filing or exhibition in a Criminal Court of a document in respect of which the proper fee has not been paid is, in the opinion of the presiding Judge, necessary to prevent a failure of justice, nothing contained in section 4 or section 6 shall be deemed to prohibit such filing or exhibition.

Section 34 - Sale of stamps

[41] [34.Sale of stamps.

(1)     The [42] [Appropriate Government] may from time to time make rules for regulating the sale of stamps to be used under this Act, the person by whom alone such sale is to be conducted, and the duties and remuneration of such persons.

 

(2)     All such rules shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall there upon have the force of law.

 

(3)     Any person appointed to sell stamps who disobeys any rule made under this section, and any person not so appointed who sells or officers for sale any stamp, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.]

Section 35 - Power to reduce or remit fees

The [43] [Appropriate Government] may, from time to time by notification in-the Official Gazette, reduce or remit, in the whole or in any part of [44] [the territories under its administration], all or any of the fees mentioned in the First and Second Schedules to this Act annexed, and may in like manner cancel or vary such order.

Section 36 - Saving of fees to certain officers of High Courts

Nothing in Chapters II and V of this Act applies to the Commission payable to the Accountant General of the High Court of Fort William, or to the fees which any officer of a High Court is allowed to receive in addition to a fixed salary.

 

Schedule I - Schedule I

 

Schedule-I[45]

Part 'A'

Table of rates of ad valorem fees leviable on the institution of suits.

 

The amount or value of the subject matter When the amount or value,-

Proper fee

Maximum leviable fee

(a)

exceeds one rupee, but does not exceed ten thousand rupees;

Two and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding one rupee.

Two hundred and fifty rupees.

 

The amount or value of the subject matter When the amount or value,-

Proper fee

Maximum leviable fee

(b)

exceeds ten thousand rupees, but does not exceed twenty thousand rupees;

Two hundred and fifty rupees plus three and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding ten thousand rupees.

Six hundred rupees.

(c)

exceeds twenty thousand rupees, but does not exceed thirty thousand rupees;

Six hundred rupees plus four and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding twenty thousand rupees.

One thousand and fifty rupees.

(d)

exceeds thirty thousand rupees, but does not exceed forty thousand rupees;

One thousand and fifty rupees plus five and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding thirty thousand rupees.

One thousand and six hundred rupees.

(e)

exceeds forty thousand rupees, but does not exceed fifty thousand rupees;

One thousand and six hundred rupees plus six and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding forty thousand rupees.

Two thousand, Two hundred and fifty rupees.

(f)

exceeds fifty thousand rupees, but does not exceed sixty thousand rupees;

Two thousand, two hundred and fifty rupees plus seven and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding fifty thousand rupees.

Three thousand, Rupees.

(g)

exceeds sixty thousand rupees, but does not exceed seventy five thousand rupees;

Three thousand rupees plus six and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding sixty thousand rupees.

Three thousand, Nine hundred and seventy five rupees.

 

The amount or value of the subject matter When the amount or value,-

Proper fee

Maximum leviable fee

(h)

exceeds seventy five thousand rupees, but does not exceed one lac rupees;

Three thousand, nine hundred and seventy five rupees plus five and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding seventy five thousand rupees.

Five thousand, three hundred and fifty rupees.

(i)

exceeds one lac rupees, but does not exceed two lac rupees;

Five thousand, three hundred and fifty rupees plus three and one-half per centum of the amount exceeding one lac rupees.

Eight thousand, Eight hundred and fifty rupees

(j)

exceeds two lac rupees, but does not exceed three lac rupees;

Eight thousand, eight hundred and fifty rupees plus two and a quarter per centum of the amount exceeding two lac rupees.

Eleven thousand and one hundred rupees.

(k)

exceeds three lac rupees, but does not exceed four lac rupees; and

Eleven thousand and one hundred rupees plus two and a quarter per centum of the amount exceeding three lac rupees.

Thirteen thousand, three hundred and fifty rupees.

(l)

exceeds four lac rupees, proper fee leviable shall be thirteen thousand, three hundred and fifty rupees plus two rupees and twenty five nayapaise for each one hundred rupees or part thereof, exceeding four lac.

Part-B

Sr. No.

Purpose for which fee is to be levied

 

Proper fee

1.

Plaint in a suit for possession under the Specific Relief Act, 1963, Section 6.

 

Half of the fee, as specified in Part' 'A' of this Schedule.

2.

Application for review of judgment, if presented before the ninetieth day from the date of decree.

 

Half of the fee as specified in Part' 'A' of this Schedule.

3.

Application for review of judgment, if presented on or after the ninetieth day from the date of decree.

 

Equal to the fee as specified in Part 'A' of this Schedule.

4

Copy of judgment or order not being, or having the force of a decree.

(a) When the judgment or order is passed by any civil court other than the High Court, or by the Presiding Officer of any Revenue Court or Office, or by any other judicial or Executive Authority; and

(b) When such judgment or order is passed by the High Court.

Ten rupees. 

Twenty rupees.

5

Copy of a decree or order having the force of a decree passed by any Civil Court or High Court or by any Revenue Court.

 

Twenty rupees.

6

Copy of the order of the Rent Controller.

 

Twenty rupees.

7

Copy of any document liable to stamp duty under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, when left by any party to a suit or proceeding in place of the original withdrawn; provided such copy is not subject to any duty under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.

(a) When the stamp duty chargeable on the original, does not exceed seventy five paise; and

(b) In any other case.

The duty, chargeable on the original document.

Twenty rupees.

8

Copy of any revenue or judicial proceeding or order, not otherwise provided for by this Act, or copy of any account statement, report or the like, taken from any Civil or Criminal or Revenue Court or office or from the office of any Chief Officer charged with the executive administration of a Division.

(a) for orders upto three years' old; and

(b) for orders beyond three years' old

Thirty rupees.

One hundred and fifty rupees.

9

Probate of a will or letters administration with or without will annexed

(a) When the amount of or value of the property in respect of which, the grant of probate or letters is made, exceeds one thousand rupees, but does not exceed ten thousand rupees;

(b) When such amount or value exceeds ten thousand rupees, but does not exceed fifty thousand rupees; and

Two and one-half per centum on such amount or value.

Three and one quarter per centum on such amount or value.

 

 

(c) When such amount or value exceeds fifty thousand rupees:

Provided that when after the grant of a certificate under Part X of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, or under the Bombay Regulation No. VIII of 1827 in respect of any property included in an estate, a grant of probate or letters of administration is made in respect of the same estate, the fee payable in respect of the latter grant, shall be reduced by the amount of the fee, paid in respect of the former grant

Four per centum on such amount or value.

10.

Certificate under Part X of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925)

In any case

Two and one-half per centum on the amount or value of any debt or security, specified in the certificate under section 374 of the Act and four per centum on the amount or value of any debt or security to which the certificate is extended under section 376 of the Act.

 

 

 

Note:

(i) The amount of a debt is its amount, including interest, on the day on which the inclusion of the debt in the certificate is applied for, so far as such amount can be ascertained.

(ii) Whether or not any power with respect to a security, specified in a certificate has been conferred under the Act, and

where such a power has been so conferred, whether the power is for the receiving of interest or dividends on, or for the negotiation or transfer of, the security, or for both purposes, the value of the security is its market value on the day on which, the inclusion of the security in the certificate is applied for, so far as such value can be ascertained.

11.

Application to the High Court for the exercise its jurisdiction under section 44 of the Punjab Courts Act, 1918 (Punjab Act 6 of 1918) or to the Court of the Financial Commissioner for the exercise of its revisional jurisdiction under section 84 of the Punjab Tenancy Act, 1887 (Act 16 of 1887).

When the amount exceeds one thousand rupees.

Ten rupees

 

 

Schedule II - Schedule II

 

 

SCHEDULE-II[46]

Fixed Fees

 

Sr. No

Purpose for which fee is to be levied

 

Proper fee

1.

Application or petition

(a) (i) When presented to any officer of the Customs Department or Excise Department or to any Magistrate by any person having dealings with the Government, where in the subject matter of such application or petition relates exclusively to those dealings;

Ten Rupees

 

 

(ii) When presented to any Revenue Officer by any person holding temporarily settled land under direct engagement with Government, wherein the subject matter of such application or petition relates exclusively to such engagement;

Ten Rupees

 

 

(iii) When presented to Municipal Com-missioner under the relevant Act for the time being in force for the conservancy or improvement of any place, wherein the subject matter of such application or petition relates to such conservancy or improvement; and

Ten Rupees

 

 

 

(iv) When presented to any Civil, Criminal or Revenue Court, or to any Board or executive officer for the purpose of obtaining a copy of any judgment, decree or order passed by such Court, Board or Officer, as the case may be, or of any other document or record in such Court, Board or Office.

Ten Rupees

 

 

(b) (i) When containing a complaint or charge of any offence other than an offence for which police officer may, under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, arrest without warrant and presented to any criminal court;

Ten Rupees.

 

 

(ii) When presented to a Civil, Criminal or Revenue Court, or any revenue officer or to any Magistrate in his executive capacity, and not otherwise provided for by this Act; or to deposit in court, revenue or rent; or for determination by a Court of the amount of compensation, to be paid by a landlord to his tenant; and

Ten Rupees.

 

 

(iii) When presented to a Commissioner or Chief Controlling Revenue Authority or Executive Authority or to a Commissioner of Revenue and not otherwise provided for by this Act; and

Ten Rupees.

 

 

(c) When presented to the High Court,-

(i) Under the Companies Act, 1956 for winding up a company;

One Thousand rupees

 

 

(ii) Under the said Act for taking some other judicial action;

Two hundred rupees.

 

 

(iii) Under article 226 of the Constitution of India other than the petition for habeas corpus and petition arising out of criminal proceedings; and

(iv) in all other cases.

One hundred rupees.

Twenty five rupees.

2.

Application to any Civil Court for calling recording from another.

When the Court grants the application and is of opinion that the trans-mission of such records involves the use of the post.

Ten Rupees.

3.

Application for leave to sue as a pauper.

 

Ten Rupees.

4.

Application for leave to appeal as a pauper.

(a) When presented to a District Court; and

(b) When presented to a Commissioner or the High Court

Ten Rupees.

Fifty Rupees.

5.

Plaint or memorandum of appeal in a suit to establish or disprove a right of occupancy.

 

Fifty Rupees.

6.

Undertaking under S. 49 of the Divorce Act, 1869.

 

Fifty Rupees

7.

Mukhtamama or Wakalatnama:-

When presented for the conduct of any one case-

(a) to any Civil or Criminal Court or to any Revenue Court, or to any Collector or Magistrate, or other executive officer, or to a Commissioner of Revenue, or Customs, or to any officer, not being the Chief Revenue or Executive Authority, except such, as are mentioned in clause (b); and

Ten Rupees.

 

 

(b) to a High Court, Commissioner, Board of Revenue, or other Chief Controlling Revenue or Executive Authority.

Twenty rupees.

8.

Memorandum of appeal when the appeal is not from a decree or an order having the force of a decree, and is presented-

(a) to any Civil Court other than a High Court, or to any Revenue Court or Executive Officer other than the High Court or Chief Controlling Revenue or Executive Authority; and

(b) to the High Court or Commissioner or other Chief Controlling Executive or Revenue Authority.

Ten Rupees.

Twenty rupees.

9.

Caveat.

 

Twenty five rupees.

10.

Petition in a suit under the Converts Marriage Dissolution Act, 1866.

 

Twenty five rupees.

11.

Every petition or application or memorandum of appeal under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 (43 of 1954) or the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (25 of 1955).

 

Fifty rupees.

12.

Plaint or Memorandum of appeal in each of the following suits-

(i) to alter or set aside a summary decision or order of any of the Civil Courts, not established by Letters Patent or of any Revenue Court;

 

Ten rupees.

 

(ii) to alter or cancel any entry in a register of the names of the proprietors of revenue paying estates;

 

Fifty rupees.

 

(iii) to obtain a declaratory decree when no consequential relief is prayed;

 

Fifty rupees.

 

(iv) to set aside an award;

 

Fifty rupees.

 

(v) to set aside an adoption deed; and

 

Fifty rupees.

 

(vi) every other suit where it is not possible to estimate the money-value, the subject matter in dispute, and which is not otherwise provided for by this Act.

 

Fifty rupees.

13.

Application under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (26 of 1996).

 

Fifty rupees.

14,

Agreement in writing stating a question for the opinion of the Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

 

Fifty rupees.

15.

Every petition under the Divorce Act, 1869, except petition under section 44 of the aforesaid Act, and every memorandum of appeal under section 55 of the same Act.

 

One hundred rupees.

16.

Plaint or memorandum of appeal under the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 (III of 1936).

 

Five hundred rupees.

17.

Plaint or memorandum of appeal in a suit by a reversioner under the Punjab Customary Law for declaration in respect of an alienation of ancestral land.

 

Five hundred rupees.

18.

Application or memorandum of appeal for relief under the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949:

 

Fifty rupees.

19.

Claim for money (whether secured or unsecured) or counter claims under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (Act X of 1949).

(a) where the amount exceeds five hundred rupees, but does not exceed two thousand and five hundred rupees;

(b) where the amount exceeds two thousand and five hundred rupees, but does not exceed ten thousand rupees; and

(c) where the amount exceeds ten thousand Rupees

Fifty rupees.

One hundred rupees.

Two hundred rupees.

20.

Memorandum of Appeal from an order or decision passed under the provisions of section 45-B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (Act X of 1949)

(a) where the amount exceeds five thousand rupees, but does not exceed ten thousand rupees; and

(b) where the amount exceeds ten thousand rupees

One hundred rupees.

Two hundred rupees.

21.

Application, petition, appeal and revision before any court, public officer or authority or body, appointed under any Central or State Act for the time being in force

(a) for application or petition; and

(b) for appeal for revision

Ten rupees.

Ten rupees.

22.

Complaint under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

 

Fifty rupees"

3. Repeal of Punjab Act 13 of 2009. The Court Fees (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2009 (Punjab Act No. 13 of 2009), repealed.

 

Schedule III - Schedule III

 

Schedule-III

(See SECTION 19-I)

Form Of Valuation (To Be Used With Such Modifications, If Any, As May Be Necessary)

In the Court of,

Re: Probate of the Will of

(or administration of the) deceased

I

 

solemnly affirm

 

 

make oath

1.        and say that I am the executor (or one of the executors or one of the next-of-kin) of, deceased, and that I have truly set forth in Annexure A to this affidavit all the property and credits of which the above named deceased died possessed or was entitled to at the time of his death, and which have come, or are likely to come, to my hands.

 

2.        I further say that I have also truly set forth in Annexure B all the items I am by law allowed to deduct.

 

3.        I further say that the said assets, exclusive only of such last-mentioned items, but inclusive of all rents, interest, dividends and increased values since the date of the death of the said deceased, are under the value of

 

Annexure A - Annexure A

 

 

ANNEXURE A

Valuation Of The Movable And Immovable Property Of Deceased

 

Rs.

A.

P.

Cash in the house and at the banks, household goods, wearing apparel, books, plate, jewels, etc..................

 

 

 

(State estimated value according to best of Executor's or Administrator's belief)

 

 

 

Property in Government securities transferable at the Public Delhi Office..................

 

 

 

(State description and value at the price of the day; also the interest separately, calculating it to the time of making the application.)

 

 

 

Immovable property, consisting of.................

 

 

 

(State description, giving, in the case of house, the assessed value, if any, and the number of year's assessment the market value is estimated at, and in the case of land, the area, the market-value and all rents that have accrued.)

 

 

 

Leasehold property...............................................

 

 

 

(if the deceased held any leases for year determinable, state the number of year's purchase the profit rents are estimated to be worth and the value of such, inserting separately arrears due to the date of death and all rents received or due since that date to the time of making the application.)

 

 

 

Property in pubic companies...................................

 

 

 

(State the particulars and the value calculated at the price of the day; also the interest separately, calculating it to the time making the application.)

 

 

 

Policy of insurance upon life, money out on mortgage and other securities, such bonds, mortgage, bills, notes and other securities for money.................................

 

 

 

(State the amount of the whole; also the interest separately, calculating it to the time of making the application.)

 

 

 

Book debts.......................................................

 

 

 

(Other than bad.)

 

 

 

Stock in trade.............................................

 

 

 

(State the estimated value, if any.)

 

 

 

Other property not comprised under the foregoing heads...

 

 

 

(State the estimated value, if any.)

 

 

 

Total ...

 

 

 

Deduct amount shown in Annexure B not subject to duty

 

 

 

Net Total ...

 

 

 

 

Annexure B - Annexure B

 

ANNEXURE B

Schedule Of Debts, Etc.

 

Rs.

A.

P.

Amount of debts due and owing from the deceased, payable by law out of the estate

 

 

 

Amount of funeral expenses

 

 

 

Amount of mortgage in cumbrances

 

 

 

Property held in trust not beneficially or with general power to confer a beneficial interest

 

 

 

Other property not subject to duty

 

 

 

Total...

 

 

 

 





[1] Substituted by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 2) Order, 1956, for "Part B States"

[2] ?Inserted by the A.O. 1937

[3] The Original S. 2 relating to repeal of enactments was repealed by the Repealing Act, 1870 (14 of 1870). A section defining "Chief Controlling Revenue-Authority" was added by S. 2 of the Court-fees (Amendment) Act, 1901 (10 of 1901), and was slightly amended by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1917 (24 of 1917). For the definition of the "Chief Controlling Revenue-authority" see now the General Clauses Act, 1897 (10 of 1897), S. 3(10). The A.O. 1937 repealed S. 2 as in force elsewhere than in Bengal. In that Province the section substituted by the Court-fees (Bengal Amendment) Act, 1935 (Bengal 7 of 1935), S. 3 contains definitions of "appeal", "Chief Controlling Revenue-authority", "Collector" and "Suit".

[4] Substituted by the A.O. 1950, for "the Courts which are High Courts for the purposes of the Government of India Ct, 1935"

[5] Subs by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 2) Order, 1956, for "High Court for Part A States"

[6] The number "16", rep. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I

[7] See the Presidency Small Cause Courts Act, 1882 (15 of 1882), Chapter X.

[8] Substituted by Act 19 of 1922, s. 2, for "Judgment of two"

[9] The words "and the provision of the Code of Civil Procedure, section thirty-one, shall apply as if, for the word claim," the words relief sought' were substituted" rep. by Act 12 of 1891, Section 2 and Schedule I

[10] See paragraph 8 of the A.O. 1937. In view of this provision the expression "Governor of Bombay in Council" has been left unmodified

[11] Inserted by Act 6 of 1905, Section 2(1)

[12] Substituted by Section 2(2), ibid, for "land"

[13] Cl. (iii) rep. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I.

[14] Section 16 repealed by Act 5 of 1908 and again inserted by Act 46 of 1999, S. 34

[15] Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for "by an officer, warrant-officer, non-commissioned officer or private of Her Majesty's Army"

[16] Cl. (ii) rep. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I

[17] Cl. (iv) rep. by Act 13 of 1889, s. 2 and Sch.

[18] See the Madras Village Courts Act, 1889 (Madras Act 1 of 1889)

[19] Subs. by Act 7 of 1889, s. 13(2), for "and certificate mentioned in the First Schedule of this Act annexed, No. 12"

[20] The Bengal Chaukidari Act, 1856

[21] Now see the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894)

[22] The Chota Nagpur Tenures Act, 1869

[23] Subs. by Act 15 of 1872, s. 2, for the original clause which read as follows:-"Petitions under the 14th and 15th of Victoria, Ch. 40 (an Act for marriages in India), Section 5 or under Act No. 5 of 1852, Section 9".

[24] Subs. by Act 10 of 1901, s. 3(1), for "of the Province"

[25] The word "such" rep. by Act 12 of 1891. s. 2 and Sch. I

[26] Subs. by Act 10 of 1901, S. 3(1), for "of the Province"

[27] The words and figures "after the first day of April, 1875, or" omitted by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and Sch. I

[28] Inserted by Act 11 of 1899, S. 2

[29] Subs. by Act 10 of 1901, s. 3(2). for "of the Province"

[30] Inserted by Act 11 of 1899, S. 2

[31] See now the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925)

[32] The words "in any part of British India" omitted by the A.O. 1948

[33] The words "and sanctioned by the governor General of India in Council" omitted by Act 38 of 1920, s. 2 and Sch. I

[34] The words "and the Governor General of India in Council" omitted by s. 2 and Sch. I. ibid

[35] The reference to Act 11 of 1865 should now be read as referring to the Provincial Small Cause Courts Act, 1887 (9 of 1887), see S. 2(3) of the Act.

[36] For rules framed under the powers conferred by this Section, see the different local rules & orders,

[37] The words "and the governor General of India in Council," omitted by Act 38 of 1920, s. 2 and Sch. I, Pt. I

[38] Subs. by the A.O. 1937, for "L.G." which had been subs. by Act 38 of 1920. s. 2 and Sch. I, Pt l, for "Governor General of India in Council".

[39] For rules as to levy of Court-fees by adhesive and impressed stamps, see Gazette of India, 1883, Pt. L, P. 189

[40] ?Subs. by the A.O. 1937. for "L G."

[41] Substituted by Act 12 of 1891, S. 2 and Sch. I, for S. 34.

[42] Substituted by the A.O. 1937, for "L.G."

[43] Substituted by the A.O. 1937, for "L.G." which had been subs. by Act 38 of 1920. s. 2 and Sch. I, Rt. l, for "Governor General of India in Council"

[44] Substituted by Act 38 of 1920, s. 2 and Sch. I, for "British India"

[45] Substituted by The Court Fee (Punjab Second Amendment) Act, 2009 (Act No. 1 of 2010) for its application to the State of Punjab vide Notification No. 01-Leg./2010, Dt. 07-01-2010, Published in Punjab Govt. Gazette

[46] Subs. by The Court Fee (Punjab Second Amendment) Act, 2009 (Act No. 1 of 2010) for its application to the State of Punjab vide Notification No. 01-Leg/2010, Dt. 07-01-2010, Published in Punjab Govt. Gazette