A high court in Aweil Northern Bahr el Ghazal has reversed the earlier ruling and lowered the court fee from ten thousand South Sudanese pound (24 USD) equivalent to just one thousand South Sudanese pounds which is 2.42 cent USD.
The decision came after the executive chiefs across the state raised the matter with the court, arguing that a fee of ten thousand for a case of one cow will make it harder for anyone to claim their rights in court.
They appealed to the high court to review the decision and reduce the ten thousand fixed amount.
The high court presiding judge Mathiang Kuac Mathiang, ruled on the issue of court fees after closed-door meetings with chiefs on Thursday in Aweil Town.
He said that the decision to increase the fees was unilaterally taken by one of the judges without knowledge of the state’s court administration and local chiefs.
Muolana Kuac said people of Aweil are well regarded in South Sudan and seen as informed and respect the rule of law.
Some of the chiefs who have been in consultation with the court over the matter welcome the decision.
They appreciated the high court listening to them and thoughtfully addressing the matter.
“We want to inform those who paid 10,000 SSP per cow before this decision is final, please don’t think of claiming the money you paid back, but the reduction will be for the new case,” said one of the chiefs after the decision was announced.
Last month, executive chiefs sent a petition letter to the high court demanding the high court president to nullify the increase of court fees.