Federal High Court proscribes fees in filing of human rights cases

In a bid to encourage the prosecution of human rights cases, the Federal High Court has abolished the charging of all forms of fees in relation to such cases.

A circular conveying the court’s new position, issued by an Assistant Chief Registrar (Litigation), Jane Egbo, upon the directive of the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, was made public on Tuesday.

The circular, titled: “Re; Monetary claims and default fees in fundamental right applications,” reads: “I have been directed by the Hon. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice J. T. Tsoho to inform all DCRs (Deputy. Chief Registrars) and Station Registrars that henceforth, monetary claims and default fees in respect of fundamental human right applications should no longer be charged.

“Be so informed and comply accordingly.”

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It was learnt that before now, applicants in fundamental rights enforcement cases were charged filing fees, among other fees, as applicable in civil cases.

They were also required to pay penalty, where they defaulted in filing processes within the time allowed by the court’s rules.