Court Fee Calculator
Estimate court filing fees for civil suits in India. Fees vary by claim amount and state.
Advocate fees not included — these vary by lawyer. Verify with the court registry before filing.
How court fees are calculated in India
India's Court Fees Act, 1870 (and state amendments) governs filing fees. Most civil suits use an ad valorem fee — a percentage of the claim amount — with slabs and maximum caps.
Suits for recovery of money and property pay fees based on the claim amount. The rate typically decreases as the claim value increases.
Certain suits like declarations, injunctions, and matrimonial petitions pay a fixed fee regardless of the amount claimed.
Consumer complaints under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 have different fee structures — complaints up to ₹5 lakh are free at the District Commission level.
Frequently asked questions
Are court fees the same across all states?
No. While the Court Fees Act, 1870 applies centrally, states have made amendments. Some states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have their own schedules. This calculator gives approximate figures — always verify with the specific court registry.
What is a process fee?
A process fee (also called "summons fee") is paid to serve court summons on the opposing party. It is typically ₹50–100 per summons in District Courts, with higher rates in High Courts.
Can I get a refund of court fees?
Under Order 44 CPC, if a suit is dismissed for want of jurisdiction or is settled before hearing, a partial refund may be available. Full refunds are rare. Court fees are generally non-refundable once proceedings are underway.
Is there a waiver for indigent persons?
Yes. Under Order 33 CPC, a person who cannot afford court fees may file as an "indigent person." The court examines their financial situation and may allow filing without payment of fees.
What about High Court filing fees?
High Court fees are generally higher than District Court fees. First appeals typically pay 50% of the original court fee or a fixed slab. Writ petitions under Article 226 have nominal fixed fees (usually ₹50–500 depending on the state).