J.B. KOSHY, J.

Doubting the correctness of the interpretation given by a Single Judge of this Court in State Bank of India v. Igbal Zacharia 1994 (1) KLT 141) regarding the scope and effect of Section 4A of the Kerala Court-Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1959 (hereinafter referred to as The Act'). this revision petition was referred to the Division Bench, Before going into the merits of the case we may look into Section 4A of the Act, which reads as follows:

"4A. Levy of fee at the time of institution of suit:- Notwithstanding anything contained in any other provisions of this Act, the amount of fee to be paid on plaint at the time of institution of suit shall be one-tenth of the amount of fee chargeable under this Act and the balance amount shall be paid within such period, not later than fifteen days from the date of framing of issues or where framing of issues is not necessary, within such period not exceeding fifteen days as may be specified by the court:

Provided that the court may for sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing extent the period upto thirty days.

Provided further that if the parties settle the dispute within the period specified or extended by the co