The fees for filing a 'claim of money' writ petition typically fall under the jurisdiction of the Court Fees Act, 1870. Section 6 of the Act outlines the fee structure based on the value of the claim. For instance, the fee for a claim of Rs. 40 lakhs would be calculated as per the prescribed rates mentioned in the Act. However, legal fees charged by lawyers are not regulated by statutory provisions but are based on agreements between the lawyer and the client.
Regarding ‘contempt of court’ petitions, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 governs such cases. Section 12 of this Act specifies that any person, found guilty of contempt, may be punished with simple imprisonment or with a fine. However, the Act doesn't explicitly outline a specific fee structure for filing a contempt petition.
In instances where lawyers charge disproportionately high fees, it's essential to consider the Advocates Act, 1961, which empowers Bar Councils to regulate the professional conduct of lawyers. Charging exorbitant fees could potentially violate the Bar Council's rules of professional ethics, and aggrieved parties can lodge complaints with the respective State Bar Councils.