The Sindh High Court (SHC) has prohibited the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) from imposing high fees for the issuance of succession certificates and letters of administration.
A two-member bench, consisting of Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito, reviewed a petition challenging NADRA’s fee structure for these certificates.
The petitioner’s attorney argued that NADRA continues to charge fees even when applications for succession certificates are denied. The lawyer highlighted that, under Section 5(2)(h) of The NADRA Ordinance 2000, fees should only be applicable when services are rendered, and a denial does not qualify as a service.
During the proceedings, the bench observed that the Rs 22,000 fee in question lacked justification. The court requested responses from all relevant parties, including the deputy attorney general and the assistant advocate general.
In its ruling, the court ordered that NADRA officials cannot charge any fees for succession certificates and letters of administration, except for standard fees associated with the issuance of CNICs, family registrations, and other certificates.
The court stated, “Prima facie, the Rs 22,000 fee is not justified and constitutes a deduction from the estate, which only legal heirs can access. Therefore, this petition addresses a matter of public importance.”
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