The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to stop charging fees for the issuance of inheritance certificates.
During the hearing of a petition challenging the fees imposed by NADRA, the court requested responses from all relevant parties, including the deputy attorney general and assistant advocate general.
As reported by Express News, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that NADRA continues to charge fees even when applications for inheritance certificates are rejected. The lawyer pointed out that, according to NADRA’s own regulations, fees should only be collected when services are rendered, and a rejection does not constitute a service.
The lawyer further emphasized that inheritance certificates are intended to distribute property among heirs according to Islamic law, and the current fee of Rs22,000 is excessive and unjustifiable.
The court has directed NADRA to stop charging fees for both inheritance certificates and letters of administration. However, it allowed the continuation of fees for standard services, such as issuing identity cards and family registration certificates (FRC).
The court also raised concerns about whether NADRA is justified in charging fees based on property ownership and whether the state can legally collect fees for inheritance certificates. A deadline of September 29 was set for responses from all parties involved, including the deputy attorney general and assistant advocate general, to clarify these issues.
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