Court Fees for Multiple Claims in a Suit : Section 6 of the Rajasthan Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1961

Court Fees in Cases with Multiple Reliefs

Section 6 of the Rajasthan Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1961, describes how court fees are determined when a plaintiff is claiming multiple reliefs in one suit. The court fee varies based on whether the reliefs are founded on the same cause of action or are founded on different causes of action.

Where a plaintiff prays for more than one relief in a single case, the overall court fee will be computed on the aggregate value of all reliefs. But if one relief is merely an addendum to the main relief, the court fee will only be imposed on the main relief.

For instance, if an individual sues for both the cancellation of a forged sale deed and the restitution of his property, the court will impose a fee on the combined value of both claims. But if the individual primarily seeks the return of the property and only seeks cancellation as a procedural requirement, the fee will be imposed only on the value of the property.

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Charges When Reliefs Are Claimed as Alternates

At times, a plaintiff claims more than one relief alternately. For such instances, the court fee will be applied on the higher fee relief.

For instance, if an individual sues a case seeking either the return of ₹10 lakh or possession of a property worth ₹15 lakh, the court will levy the fee as per the ₹15 lakh claim, since it attracts the higher fee.

Fees in Cases with Different Causes of Action

If a suit involves several claims arising out of different and distinct causes of action, the aggregate court fee will be the sum of the fees which would be required if distinct cases were brought on each claim. But if the claims are against the same individual and grow out of the same transaction, the plaintiff will only be required to pay the greatest of the fees which apply.

For instance, if an individual sues for both rent and property damage by the same tenant, they will be required to pay a court fee on the combined value of both claims. But if the claims are alternative, such as recovering either the rent or the property, then the fee is charged on the most valuable claim.

Applicability to Other Legal Documents

The provisions of Section 6 also extend to appeals, petitions, applications, and written statements. This makes cases at various stages adhere to the same principles regarding court fees.

For example, if a tenant loses a case and appeals arguing both for the reduction of the amount of rent and for an allowance to continue occupying the house, the appeal fee will be determined in exactly the same manner as in the initial case. 

Explanation on Property Possession and Profits

Section 6 makes it clear that a suit for possession of property and for mesne profits (recovery of illegal occupation) is held to be founded on the same cause of action. Thus, the court fee will be determined accordingly.

For instance, when a landlord brings a case asking a tenant to vacate a shop and also claim compensation for unauthorized occupation, the court fee will be payable as if the two claims form one case.

Conclusion

Section 6 of the Rajasthan Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1961, prevents court fees from being unfairly charged when there are several reliefs. It dictates a simple formula for fee calculation depending on the reliefs being separate or alternative, and whether arising out of the same or different causes of action. These regulations ensure that court fees do not deviate from a planned procedure and that judicial processes still remain effective.