Justice Ministry announces fees for digital records

In order to minimise paperwork related to judicial proceedings, the Justice Ministry has announced a fee structure for issuing digital copies and copies of audio/video recordings of judicial cases to the public.

A Justice Ministry circular issued this week states that the move will save time and money being spent on judicial proceedings and simplfiy the process of introducing new technology to the field.

As per the new circular, Rs. 100 will be charged per CD of judicial records. Scanning and copying charges will be Rs. 3 per page.

Rs. 1500 will be charged for a 16 GB USB Drive containing audio recordings of judicial cases, while Rs. 500 will be levied for every 30 minutes of recordings.  

Rs. 1500 will also be charged for a 16 GB USB Drive containing video recordings of judicial cases, with a fee of Rs. 750 levied for every 30 minutes of recordings.

The circular has also announced the percentages from the levied fees that would paid to officials involved in issuing digital copies and audio / video recordings of judicial cases.  

Accordingly, 20% of the fee levied when issuing digital copies of judicial records will be paid to the official who scans and copies the documents while 10% will go to the official who checks and certifies the contents.

Meanwhile, 25% of the fee levied issuing audio / video recordings of judicial cases will go to the official who edits and copies the recordings while 10% will go to the one who checks and certifies the contents.

Except for the percentages that go the above officials, the rest of the money levied from these services will be credited to the Consolidated Fund. The ministry has further said that it is advisable for the courts to supply the CDs and USB drives needed to copy the recordings.