Jennifer Ugwueke
In line with the fundamental rights enforcement procedure rules, the Federal High Court has abolished the charging of fees on monetary claims and default fees.
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.”
It was learnt that before now, applicants in fundamental rights enforcement cases were charged fees on monetary claims.
They were also required to pay penalty, where they defaulted in filing processes within the time allowed by the rules.