On 16 October 2026, Ministry of Law and Justice, notified the Union Territories Court Fees (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeal) Rules, 2026. These Rules were issued under Section 34(1) of the Court-fees Act, 1870 and came into force on 16 October 2026.
The Union Territories Court Fees (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeal) Rules, 2026 introduce a civil and administrative penalty framework for minor, non-fraudulent violations of court fee and stamp-sale rules, replacing criminal sanctions for such contraventions. The Rules also prescribe standard forms for complaints, show-cause notices and appeals, and establish timelines for adjudication and appellate proceedings to promote procedural efficiency and minimise delays.
Key Features:
1. The Rules operationalise Sections 34-A and 34-B of the Court-fees Act, 1870, inserted by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
2. Revenue officers, licensed stamp vendors and members of the public are empowered to report violations of court-fee and stamp-sale requirements to designated adjudicating officers.
3. The Rules enable revenue officers, licensed stamp vendors and members of the public to report alleged court-fee and stamp-sale violations to designated adjudicating officers.
4. The Rules also prescribe for financial penalties of up to ₹10,000 for specified non-fraudulent violations of stamp-sale requirements.
5. There is a mandatory requirement of a formal show-cause notice and a reasonable opportunity of hearing for the alleged violator under the Rules.
6. An aggrieved person may file an appeal to the designated appellate authority in Form III within 30 days of receiving the order.
7. Delay may be condoned for sufficient cause.
8. The authority may confirm, modify or set aside the order, remit the matter for fresh consideration, or reduce, enhance or annul the penalty, subject to the statutory limits.
9. 60 days from the date of filing.
10. Every order passed by the appellate authority under the Rules will be final and conclusive.
[Union Territories Court Fees (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeal) Rules, 2026, dated 16-10-2026]
Read Also:
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026: Decriminalization & Penalty Reforms
