THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet on Wednesday decided to extend the validity period of caste certificates issued by Revenue authorities to three years. A decision has been taken to amend Section 125 of Criminal Procedure Code to slap 12 per cent interest on those who defy court orders to provide alimony without sufficient reasons. The Cabinet approved the Draft Bill in this regard.
The financial powers of a single judge with the Kerala High Court have been increased to Rs 40 lakh from the existing one lakh. Necessary amendments will be brought in the High Court legislation in this regard. Also, the Cabinet decided to bring in another amendment empowering a single judge to consider appeals on MACT(Motor Accident Claims Tribunal) orders, irrespective of the amount sanctioned. The Cabinet granted nod for the Draft Bill.