Karachi: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has been directed to immediately stop collecting fees for issuing inheritance certificates, as reported on September 19.
As per details, this decision was made during a hearing at the Sindh High Court (SHC) on a petition challenging NADRA’s practice of charging PKR 22,000 for the service.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that NADRA continues to collect fees even when requests for inheritance certificates are rejected, which goes against NADRA’s own regulations. Under these rules, fees are only applicable when services are provided, and a rejected request does not constitute a service. Additionally, the lawyer pointed out that inheritance certificates are issued to distribute property among legal heirs according to Islamic law, making the current fee structure unjustified.
In response, the SHC ordered NADRA to immediately stop charging fees for both inheritance certificates and letters of administration. However, the court clarified that fees for other NADRA services, such as issuing identity cards and family registration certificates, will remain in effect.
During the hearing, the court raised concerns about whether NADRA has the authority to charge fees based on property ownership and if the state can collect fees for inheritance certificates. The court has requested further clarification on these matters and has set a deadline of September 29 for responses from all parties involved, including the deputy attorney general and assistant advocate general.
