Bhubaneswar: Odisha Assembly on Thursday passed the Court Fees (Odisha Amendment) Bill, 2020 to enable the litigants and other stakeholders to make payment of court fees through electronic mode.
Since it is mandatory for payment of court fees through physical stamps only under the Court Fees Act, 1870, suitable amendment of the Act was necessary for payment and refund of court fee through electronic mode (e-payment) in the event of e-filing of cases.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown and restrictions, the Orissa High Court and the subordinate courts have been functioning in restricted manner. Due to the social distancing norms issued by the government, the High Court has permitted electronic filing of cases which necessitates payment of court fees through electronic method.
