Functioning of courts across Kerala came to a standstill on Wednesday as lawyers stayed off from work in protest against what they called “unprecedented hike” in court fees and imposition of ad valorem fees without any upper limit introduced by the State Government.
The boycott of courts came amid hearing of a petition filed by Kerala High Court Advocates Association in the High Court. A series of cases were dismissed by courts due to non-appearance of counsel concerned.
Justices A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and S Easwaran pointed out in the court that abstention from work by lawyers was “unethical and preposterous”.
Kerala’s Finance Minister KN Balagopalan, in his 2025-2026 Budget proposals had announced a hike of 400 to 9,900 per cent in court fees, a hitherto unheard of increase. The lawyers in the southern State have since been on a warpath and demanding the State Government revoke the increase. The KHCAA petition in the matter said that the increase in court fees was done without giving any reasons for the same.
Balagopal had put the blame on the Centre for not releasing funds due to the State. Kerala is said to be facing a major financial crisis and cited shortage of funds for infrastructure improvement. “The hikes have been made without holding any discussion with the lawyers and without taking into account the recommendations of the Law Commission of India and Kerala Law Reforma Commission,” said the KHCAA in its plea.
R S Sasikumar, chairman, Save University Campaign, who is also the State’s leading whistle blower told The Pioneer that the hike in court fees and other legal formalities was an attempt by the LDF Government to keep the aggrieved persons from approaching the courts. “This government is enmeshed in corruption. Appointment of government staff, especially school and college teachers and vice chancellors are either from the CPI(M) cadres or on the basis of the cash that change hands. Those who are denied their Constitutional rights will find it tough to enter the precincts of the Court for remedy,” said Sasikumar.
All lower courts saw veteran lawyers and young lawyers lining up before court complexes raising slogans demanding the restoration of status quo. Jomol Joy, a young lawyer in Perumbavoor, said it was not an agitation or strike. “We were expressing our solidarity with the clients who have been pit to difficulties because of this unexpected hike,” said Joy.
This is the first time the State is witnessing lawyers staying away en masse from court halls.
