IndiaPosted at: Oct 17 2026 8:38AM


Centre notifies new penalty rules for court fee stamp violations in UTs

New Delhi, Oct 17 (UNI) The Centre has notified new rules governing penalties for violations of court fee stamp regulations in union Territories (UTs), providing for fines of up to Rs 10,000 for specified non-fraudulent violations, a 30-day appeal window and disposal of appeals within 60 days.
The union Territories Court Fees (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeal) Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of Law and Justice on October 16, came into force upon publication in the Official Gazette.
Issued under Section 34(1) of the Court-fees Act, 1870, the rules establish a formal mechanism for filing complaints, conducting inquiries, imposing penalties and challenging adjudication orders.
Under the amended provisions of the Act, a person appointed to sell stamps who violates the prescribed rules without fraudulent intent shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding Rs 10,000. Violations involving fraudulent intent are subject to separate penal provisions.
The Administrator of the union Territory concerned may appoint officers not below the rank of Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Collector or equivalent to adjudicate such violations.
According to the notification, any revenue officer, licensed vendor or individual having knowledge of a violation may file a complaint electronically, by speed post or by hand.
The adjudicating officer must issue a show-cause notice within 30 days of receiving a complaint, giving the person concerned at least 30 days from the date of service to respond.
If a hearing is considered necessary, notice may be issued within 15 days of receiving the reply. No penalty can be imposed without providing a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
The officer may proceed ex parte if the person concerned fails to appear or make submissions despite notice, after recording reasons in writing.
The rules require adjudicating officers to endeavour to complete proceedings within three months of issuing the initial notice.
In determining penalties, authorities may consider the amount of court fees or stamps involved, the duration and recurrence of violations, the hardship caused to the public, the number of vendors affected, and any unfair financial advantage gained.
Every penalty order must specify the violation, reasons for the findings, penalty amount and payment deadline. Unpaid penalties can be recovered as arrears of land revenue.
An aggrieved person may appeal within 30 days of receiving the adjudication order. The appellate authority may admit delayed appeals where sufficient cause is established.
Appeals must be disposed of within 60 days of filing. The appellate authority may confirm, modify or set aside an order, order fresh consideration, or reduce, enhance or annul the penalty, subject to the statutory ceiling.
The notification also prescribes standard forms for complaints, show-cause notices, and appeals, and introduces a structured procedure for enforcing court fee stamp regulations in union Territories.
UNI KK IM
Tags: #Centre notifies new penalty rules for court fee stamp violations in UTs
More News

Railway Board bars Group C staff from deputation to state governments, PSUs

17 Oct 2026 | 9:09 AM

New Delhi, Oct 17 (UNI) The Railway Board has barred Group C railway employees from taking up deputation to ex-cadre posts under state governments and union Territory administrations, including their public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, statutory bodies, universities and local bodies.

see more..

Centre notifies new penalty rules for court fee stamp violations in UTs

17 Oct 2026 | 8:38 AM

New Delhi, Oct 17 (UNI) The Centre has notified new rules governing penalties for violations of court fee stamp regulations in union Territories (UTs), providing for fines of up to Rs 10,000 for specified non-fraudulent violations, a 30-day appeal window and disposal of appeals within 60 days.

see more..

'Uninformed, unwarranted': MEA slams US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal's comments on SIR

17 Oct 2026 | 1:02 AM

New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) India has slammed US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal's criticism of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls as unwarranted, uninformed and tantamount to interfering in the country's electoral practices.

see more..

Centre proposes national monument status for three ancient rock painting sites in Agra

16 Oct 2026 | 11:35 PM

New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) The Centre has moved to bring three ancient rock painting sites in Uttar Pradesh's Agra district under national protection, proposing to declare the painted rock shelters at Rasulpur, Patsal and Jajauli villages as monuments of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

see more..

Rekha Gupta directs officials to ensure cleanliness, proper lighting across Delhi during festive season

16 Oct 2026 | 9:33 PM

New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday directed officials to ensure cleanliness, adequate lighting and proper maintenance of public spaces across the national capital during the festive season, warning that negligence would not be tolerated.

see more..