Table of Contents
Court fees in India — by state, by court (2026 reference)
Quick answer: Court fees governed by state-specific Court Fees Act. Filing fee + summons + certified copy + witness charges. State variations significant.
Key facts
- State-specific Court Fees Acts
- Filing fee: Rs 100-5,000 by court level
- Summons + service: Rs 50-200
- Certified copy: Rs 5-50/page
- Witness travel + DA: state-specific
Step-by-step process
- Filing fee at court counter — Stamp paper or electronic.
- Summons fee — Per defendant/witness.
- Certified copy fee — Per page.
- Witness charges — Travel + DA.
- Appeal fees — Varies by court level.
- RTI to court for fee schedule — If disputed.
Documents needed
- Court fee schedule (state)
- Fee receipt
Common issues + how to handle
- Excessive fee charged — RTI for state schedule.
- Stamp paper denied — alternative court fee in cash.
- Witness DA delayed — court order needed.
- Appeal fee disputed — petition court.
If stuck — file an RTI
Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date. 2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file. 3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline. 4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days. 5. Likely date of resolution / decision.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →
Frequently asked questions
Cheapest court for civil suits?
Small Causes Court for sums < Rs 25K. Magistrate for criminal complaints.
Senior citizen fee waiver?
Yes in many states under Sr Citizens Act. RTI for state policy.
Free court fee for women?
Limited — DV Act + 498A typically. Otherwise standard fee.
PIL / public interest fee?
Reduced or nil at HC/SC. State-specific at lower courts.
Summary + next step
Bottom line: Court fees governed by state-specific Court Fees Act. Filing fee + summons + certified copy + witness charges. State variations significant. If delayed beyond statutory timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.
- AI RTI Drafter: Auto-fill PIO + your case
- Browse all eCourts guides: Index
Related
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.

