Court Fees in India – Simple Guide for 2025

If you’re filing a case, the first thing that pops up on your mind is usually the cost. Court fees are the money you pay the court to start or continue a lawsuit. They differ by state, case type, and the amount of money involved. Knowing the basics can save you time, surprise bills, and even help you plan your legal strategy.

What Types of Court Fees Are There?

There are three main buckets you’ll encounter:

• Filing fees – the amount you pay when you submit a plaint, petition, or any other initiating document. The fee is usually a percentage of the claim value, but some cases (like family matters) have a flat rate.
• Document fees – charges for getting certified copies, attested documents, or for each page you want the court to stamp.
• Miscellaneous fees – these include service‑charge for issuing notices, adjournment fees, and sometimes a fee for appointing a court‑appointed advocate.

Every state has its own schedule, but the core idea stays the same: higher claim amounts mean higher fees. For example, a civil suit of up to ₹1 lakh might cost ₹200‑₹500, while a claim over ₹10 crore can attract fees in the tens of thousands.

How to Calculate Your Court Fee Quickly

Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet you can use:

1. Identify the case type – civil, criminal, family, or consumer.
2. Find the claim value (the amount you’re asking for).
3. Check your state’s fee schedule – most are available on the respective High Court website.
4. Apply the percentage or flat rate. If the schedule says 0.25% up to ₹5 lakh, multiply 0.25% by your claim amount (but cap it at the maximum listed).
5. Add any fixed document fees (usually ₹100‑₹250 per copy).

Many courts now offer an online fee calculator. Just type “court fee calculator + [state name]” and you’ll get a ready‑made tool.

Tip: If your claim value is close to a fee bracket threshold, consider adjusting the amount slightly to stay in a lower fee band. The savings can be significant, especially for high‑value commercial disputes.

In 2025, a few states revised their schedules to lower fees for small‑value claims (₹5 lakh and below). The goal is to make justice more affordable for everyday people. Keep an eye on those updates – they can shave off a few hundred rupees instantly.

Finally, remember that court fees are usually refundable if the case is dismissed early or if you win and the court orders a refund. Ask your advocate to file a refund application right after the final order.

Knowing these basics helps you budget, avoid surprises, and focus on building a strong case instead of worrying about money. If you’re unsure about the exact amount, a quick call to the court clerk or a look at the official schedule will clear things up.