Nothing contained in this Act shall render the following documents chargeable with any fee:—
(i) power-of-attorney to institute or defend a suit when presented by a member of the armed forces of the Union;
(viii) probate of a will, letters of administration, and, save as regards fees payable on applications for letters of administration, when the amount or value of the property in respect of which probate or letters or certificate shall be granted does not exceed one thousand rupees;
(xvii) petition of appeal by a prisoner, or other person in duress or under restraint of any Court or its officers.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 19
Section 19 of the Court Fees Act, 1870 contains an extensive catalogue of documents and petitions that are statutorily exempted from any court fees, safeguarding fundamental procedural steps and small estates.
Whenever filing bail petitions, habeas corpus representations, or regular written statements (without counterclaim), ensure that no unnecessary court fees are affixed, relying on Section 19(xv) and (xvii) exemptions.