Section 1A of the Court Fees Act 1870: Definition of Appropriate Government

Section 1A of the Court Fees Act, 1870 identifies which Government is the "appropriate Government" for the purposes of fees or stamps governed by the Act. The distinction depends on whether the relevant document is presented, or is to be presented, before an officer serving under the Central Government or falls within another category.

What Section 1A provides

Section 1A - Definition of "appropriate Government".

In this Act, the appropriate Government means the Central Government in relation to fees or stamps concerning documents presented or to be presented before an officer serving under the Central Government. In relation to other fees or stamps, it means the State Government.

Section 1A was inserted by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1937. The current central text of the Court Fees Act, 1870 published on India Code continues to reproduce this provision.

Meaning of "appropriate Government" under Section 1A

The provision creates a functional division between the Central Government and the State Government. The authority is determined by the governmental service of the officer before whom the relevant document is presented or is intended to be presented.

1. Central Government

Where the fee or stamp relates to a document presented, or proposed to be presented, before an officer serving under the Central Government, the Central Government is the appropriate Government for the purpose of the Act.

2. State Government

For other fees or stamps covered by the provision, the State Government is the appropriate Government. This makes the identity of the relevant Government dependent on the context in which the fee or stamp is payable.

Why the definition is important

The definition helps identify the Government connected with the administration of fees and stamps under the Court Fees Act. It should be read with the particular charging provision, schedule, applicable rules, notifications and State amendments governing the document or proceeding concerned.

Important: Court-fee law is affected by State amendments and, in some jurisdictions, separate State legislation. The amount of court fee and the applicable provision should therefore be checked for the particular State or Union Territory and the particular court, authority, document or proceeding.

Official text of the Court Fees Act 1870

For the central statutory text, amendments and legislative notes, refer to the official Court Fees Act, 1870 on India Code. The official text identifies the enactment as Act No. 7 of 1870, dated 11 March 1870, and places Section 1A in Chapter I under the preliminary provisions.

Related provisions

Continue with the Court Fees Act 1870 overview, or read the related provisions listed in the sidebar, including Sections 2 to 10.

Legal content reviewed: 22 September 2026.