Govt. considers hike in monetary value for small claims Court jurisdiction

Thursday, 13 July 2023 02:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government is considering an increase in the monetary value assigned to actions falling under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court.

According to Section 29A (2) of the Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978, the Finance Minister has the authority to determine the monetary value for such actions, as specified in the Seventh Schedule.

Previously, the monetary value for Small Claims Court actions was set at up to Rs. 1.5 million, excluding interest. However, on 21 April, the Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms Minister published an order in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2328/16, proposing to fix the monetary value for these actions at a sum of Rs. 2 million, or not exceeding Rs. 2 million, excluding interest.

In light of this proposal, the Cabinet of Ministers approved presenting the regulation published via Gazette in Parliament for approval.

If approved in Parliament, the increase in the monetary value for Small Claims Court actions will provide individuals and businesses with an expanded scope to seek legal redress for matters falling within the court’s jurisdiction.