Amid recent social media chatter about the 26th constitutional amendment, claims went viral suggesting that the fee for filing an appeal in the Supreme Court of Pakistan had been increased from Rs50,000 to Rs1 million after the approval of the 26th constitutional amendment. Prominent figures, including YouTuber Imran Riaz Khan and columnist Haroon Rashid, shared these assertions, prompting widespread concern among public about the accessibility of legal recourse in the country.

However, a fact check conducted by the BBC Urdu revealed that these claims are unfounded. The Registrar’s Office of the Supreme Court clarified that the official fee for filing an appeal is, in fact, only Rs5,000. This fee must be deposited at the State Bank of Pakistan prior to submitting any appeal or petition to the court’s administrative branch.

One user expressed worry, stating, “If an innocent person is sentenced by the High Court and cannot afford a million, they won’t be able to appeal to the Supreme Court.”

Another commenter lamented, “Pray that God does not show us the courts; the Supreme Court only looks good in pictures.” A third user on X (formerly Twitter) declared, “Now it will cost Rs1 million to challenge a High Court decision in the Supreme Court. This rotten system won’t change until the nation resists.”

Despite the escalating discussions and calls for resistance against the judicial system, these claims have been proven false. It is important to clarify that, under Pakistani law, decisions made by the High Court can indeed be challenged in the Supreme Court.

Many journalists and legal experts have stepped in to debunk these claims, providing accurate information about the appeal process and the associated fees.The Registrar further explained that the receipt for this fee is submitted alongside the appeal documents, and the administrative branch is responsible for processing the appeal.

The misinformation regarding the supposed increase in filing fees has been debunked, highlighting the importance of verifying claims circulating on social media. As discussions around the legal system continue, it remains crucial for citizens to seek accurate information to understand their rights and the judicial process.