Union Ministry issues rules to penalise minor court fee breaches in UTs

On Saturday, the Union Ministry of Law issued the Union Territories Court Fees (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeal) Rules, 2026, to manage violations of court-fee and stamp-sale regulations in Union territories. The rules give effect to sections 34A and 34B of the Court Fees Act, 1870, introduced by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, and replace criminal sanctions with financial penalties for minor, non-fraudulent breaches.

They prescribe standardised forms for lodging complaints, issuing show-cause notices and filing appeals, ensuring consistency and timeliness. Designated adjudicating officers, supported by revenue officers and licensed stamp vendors, may investigate reports and levy fines, weighing factors such as public hardship, repeat offences and illicit profit. Affected parties receive a notice and an opportunity to be heard, and may challenge penalty orders before a designated appellate authority within prescribed deadlines.