The Goa Assembly passed the Goa Suits Valuation Bill, 2025, on Wednesday, introducing a streamlined framework for valuing civil suits, particularly land-related cases, to determine court jurisdiction and fees. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who moved the bill, emphasized its role in ensuring uniformity to reduce disputes and confusion.

The legislation replaces the outdated Goa Suits Valuation Act, 1965, and aligns with the recently enacted Goa Court Fees Act, 2024. It empowers the state government, in consultation with the High Court, to establish rules for determining land values across regions, simplifying the valuation process for suits involving land or related interests.

The bill’s core objective is to provide a clear, consistent method for valuing suits to establish jurisdiction, primarily for civil courts. It ensures that court fees and jurisdictional values are aligned in specific cases, minimizing discrepancies. Additionally, it includes provisions to curb unnecessary appeals based on technical valuation disputes and allows the High Court to set notional values for complex cases.

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The law outlines procedures for raising jurisdictional objections and specifies conditions for appellate or revisional courts to consider them. It will take effect on a date notified by the state government, with a two-year period to address implementation challenges.

Outgoing Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai recommended the bill’s introduction under Article 207 of the Constitution, paving the way for its passage. The legislation is expected to enhance judicial efficiency and clarity in Goa’s legal system.

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