SHC stops Nadra from charging hefty fee for ‘succession certificate’

ISLAMABAD: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has barred the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) from charging hefty fees for the issuance of a succession certificate/letter of administration.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito heard the plea against the fee charged by Nadra for the issuance of succession certificates.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that Nadra charges fees even when applications for succession certificates are rejected by its officials. The lawyer pointed out that, according to Section 5(2)(h) of The Nadra Ordinance 2000, fees should only be charged when services are provided by them, and a decline does not constitute a service.

During the hearing, a two-member bench noted that the Rs 22,000 fees/charges in question were not justified. The court further requested responses from all relevant parties, including the deputy attorney general and assistant advocate general.

In its order, the court abided Nadra officials from charging any fee for succession certificates and letters of administration except a formal fee as required on issuance of CNIC, family registration, and other certificates

“Prima facie, fees of Rs22,000 is not justified that amounts deduction from tarka which only legal heirs can, thus present petition related to the issue of public importance,” the court order said.