Jeff,
I really appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions. I know you're not a lawyer, but you provided me with enough info to understand the answers to my questions. I also know that it would be impossible for them to collect costs from me without coming to the united states and suing me in small claims court, which would cost much more than the costs awarded in travel expenses alone- and my attorney here says they could not win such a case if they brought it forward based on several factors.
What I'm concerned about is my other Indian domain names. If I don't pay the awarded costs, will they be suspended, canceled, etc? Some of these names are registered by me for clients whose websites I created and manage. If I were to transfer them into the client's name, would they still be affected? Would transferring them when I owe costs cause the registry to suspend or cancel them? If you or anyone on this forum happens to know the answers to any of these questions, I think it would be helpful. I don't see how this could happen, as there is no ID required to register a domain and they could not connect all my domains with great enough certainty to know they aren't affecting another party that I am not involved with. It still concerns me, however, as the registration agreement basically gives them the right to cancel names without refund for no reason. Also, they don't really play by the rules as strictly as they should.
The name and the costs are not even worth hiring legal representation to fight for, but based on principle and because I can afford it, I'm looking into taking action. If I do, it will be done quickly. I am consulting with my attorney here for advice first.
Thanks again for helping me clear up these questions!