SCC approves draft law on court fees
The session began with the approval of the minutes from the fifteenth session, after which the council initiated discussions on the draft law and the accompanying report submitted by the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee. The report was prepared following extensive studies and specialised meetings
.
Legal officials attend council session
In attendance were Sheikh Faisal bin Ali bin Abdullah Al Mualla, Secretary-General of the Judicial Council in Sharjah; His Excellency Dr Issa Saif bin Handal, Director of the Legal Department of the Government of Sharjah; Aisha Mohammed Hazeem Al Suwaidi, Director of Legislation at the Legal Department; and Houria Mohammed Al Khayal, Director of Government Legal Services at the same department
.
Referral and procedural review
During the session, the council discussed the draft law and the report from the committee. The council's work began with the formal approval of the previous session's minutes. His Excellency Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC), stated at the outset that the draft law had been referred to the council on 15 May by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Sharjah. In accordance with Article 71 of the council's internal regulations, the draft was referred to the relevant legal committee for study and feedback
.
Al Jarwan noted that, as per the procedures followed in legislative discussions, the council would review the draft law article by article, take comments into consideration, and approve each article either with amendments or as received from the Executive Council, using a comparative table for reference
.
Praise for council's role
In his address to the council, Dr Issa Saif bin Handal commended the efforts of the Consultative Council, praising the vitality of the discussions and the depth of the feedback provided. He stressed that the law represents a vital pillar in building an integrated judicial system in the Emirate of Sharjah
.
Law complements existing judicial legislation
Dr Issa Saif bin Handal explained that the draft law complements the Judicial Authority Law, which came into effect on 1 June. It sets the general framework for establishing an independent judicial authority to accompany the executive and legislative branches that have existed since 1999. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to uphold judicial independence and the rule of law
.
Regulating court fees and procedures
He added that the draft law regulates the structure of court fees collected by the courts, detailing procedures for imposing, collecting, and exempting such fees. It seeks to balance procedural, judicial and financial aspects, ensuring the delivery of high-quality judicial services that consider social and economic circumstances
.
Committee presents legal and financial review
His Excellency Mohammed Saleh Al Ali, member of the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee, presented the committee's report on the draft law. The report included a comprehensive review of the legal articles and the committee's recommendations, along with an analysis of the legal and financial dimensions and the law's alignment with relevant legislation and regulations
.
The report confirmed that the draft law would enhance transparency, regulate financial transactions in the courts, and structure the relationship between litigants and the judiciary
.
Detailed member discussions and recommendations
His Excellency Mohammed Ali Jaber Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee, provided explanations regarding the committee's comments on several amendments intended to strengthen the law's provisions
.
The session featured an in-depth discussion by council members, who shared precise observations and constructive suggestions covering various legal and procedural aspects of the draft law. Interventions focused on the need for clear mechanisms for fee collection, linking fees to the nature and type of cases, and developing collection tools that ensure efficiency and accuracy while reducing the financial burden on litigants
.
Approval of draft law and next session
The council reviewed the various articles of the draft law, which aim to regulate judicial fees across all types of claims, documentation fees, electronic payment procedures, and general provisions related to partial or full exemptions and refunds.The draft law was approved at the end of the session
.
At the close of the meeting, Al Jarwan announced that the next session will be held on Thursday, 19 June 2025. It will mark the closing session of the second ordinary term of the eleventh legislative chapter, during which the council will discuss its recommendations regarding the Sharjah International Airport Authority and the dissolution decree for the current session
.
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Gulf Today
5 days ago
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SCC approves draft law regulating court fees
The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) has approved the draft law regulating court fees in the emirate. The decision was made during its sixteenth session, held at the SCC headquarters as part of the second ordinary term of the eleventh legislative chapter. The session began with the approval of the minutes from the fifteenth session, followed by discussions on the draft law and the accompanying report submitted by the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee, based on detailed studies and specialised meetings. In attendance were Sheikh Faisal Bin Ali Bin Abdullah Al Mualla, Secretary-General of the Judicial Council in Sharjah; Dr Issa Saif Bin Handal, Director of the Legal Department of the Government of Sharjah; Aisha Mohammed Hazeem Al Suwaidi, Director of Legislation; and Houria Mohammed Al Khayal, Director of Government Legal Services at the same department. Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the SCC, noted that the draft law was referred to the council on May 15 by the Executive Council's General Secretariat. In line with Article 71 of the SCC's internal regulations, it was assigned to the legal committee for study and input. Al Jarwan explained that each article of the draft law would be reviewed individually, with comments considered and amendments applied where necessary, guided by a comparative table. Addressing the council, Dr Issa Saif Bin Handal praised the council's engagement and underlined the law's role in supporting Sharjah's integrated judicial system. He stated that the draft complements the Judicial Authority Law, which came into effect on June 1, establishing an independent judicial authority alongside the emirate's existing executive and legislative bodies. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to safeguard judicial independence and uphold the rule of law. Dr Handal added that the law regulates court fee structures, covering collection procedures, exemptions and financial mechanisms. It aims to balance judicial efficiency with social and economic considerations, ensuring access to high-quality services. Mohammed Saleh Al Ali, member of the committee, presented the report, which reviewed the legal provisions, assessed financial implications and affirmed the law's alignment with existing legislation. The report confirmed that the law would enhance transparency, streamline financial procedures and reinforce the relationship between litigants and the judiciary. Mohammed Ali Jaber Al Hammadi, Chairman of the committee, provided clarifications on the proposed amendments intended to enhance the draft law. Council members engaged in a detailed discussion, offering observations and suggestions on legal and procedural issues. Topics included linking fees to case types, developing efficient collection tools and ensuring mechanisms that minimise the burden on litigants. The council reviewed and approved the law's provisions covering all types of claims, documentation fees, electronic payment systems, and exemptions and refunds. At the close of the session, Al Jarwan announced that the next and final session of the term will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The council will review its recommendations on the Sharjah International Airport Authority and discuss the dissolution decree for the current session. Recently, the SCC approved a draft law regulating the judicial authority in Sharjah, during its twelfth session held at its headquarters in Sharjah. The session took place as part of the Council's second ordinary session of the eleventh legislative term. Following approval of the minutes of the eleventh session, the Council proceeded to review the draft law and the accompanying report from the Legal and Legislative Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions, and Complaints Committee. Dr Mansour Mohammed Bin Nassar, Member of the Executive Council and Head of the Legal Department of the Government of Sharjah expressed appreciation for the Consultative Council's role in the legislative process. He praised members for their professional approach in reviewing the draft law, which aims to enhance the emirate's judicial framework. WAM
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6 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SCC approves draft law on court fees
The session began with the approval of the minutes from the fifteenth session, after which the council initiated discussions on the draft law and the accompanying report submitted by the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee. The report was prepared following extensive studies and specialised meetings . Legal officials attend council session In attendance were Sheikh Faisal bin Ali bin Abdullah Al Mualla, Secretary-General of the Judicial Council in Sharjah; His Excellency Dr Issa Saif bin Handal, Director of the Legal Department of the Government of Sharjah; Aisha Mohammed Hazeem Al Suwaidi, Director of Legislation at the Legal Department; and Houria Mohammed Al Khayal, Director of Government Legal Services at the same department . Referral and procedural review During the session, the council discussed the draft law and the report from the committee. The council's work began with the formal approval of the previous session's minutes. His Excellency Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC), stated at the outset that the draft law had been referred to the council on 15 May by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Sharjah. In accordance with Article 71 of the council's internal regulations, the draft was referred to the relevant legal committee for study and feedback . Al Jarwan noted that, as per the procedures followed in legislative discussions, the council would review the draft law article by article, take comments into consideration, and approve each article either with amendments or as received from the Executive Council, using a comparative table for reference . Praise for council's role In his address to the council, Dr Issa Saif bin Handal commended the efforts of the Consultative Council, praising the vitality of the discussions and the depth of the feedback provided. He stressed that the law represents a vital pillar in building an integrated judicial system in the Emirate of Sharjah . Law complements existing judicial legislation Dr Issa Saif bin Handal explained that the draft law complements the Judicial Authority Law, which came into effect on 1 June. It sets the general framework for establishing an independent judicial authority to accompany the executive and legislative branches that have existed since 1999. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to uphold judicial independence and the rule of law . Regulating court fees and procedures He added that the draft law regulates the structure of court fees collected by the courts, detailing procedures for imposing, collecting, and exempting such fees. It seeks to balance procedural, judicial and financial aspects, ensuring the delivery of high-quality judicial services that consider social and economic circumstances . Committee presents legal and financial review His Excellency Mohammed Saleh Al Ali, member of the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee, presented the committee's report on the draft law. The report included a comprehensive review of the legal articles and the committee's recommendations, along with an analysis of the legal and financial dimensions and the law's alignment with relevant legislation and regulations . The report confirmed that the draft law would enhance transparency, regulate financial transactions in the courts, and structure the relationship between litigants and the judiciary . Detailed member discussions and recommendations His Excellency Mohammed Ali Jaber Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee, provided explanations regarding the committee's comments on several amendments intended to strengthen the law's provisions . The session featured an in-depth discussion by council members, who shared precise observations and constructive suggestions covering various legal and procedural aspects of the draft law. Interventions focused on the need for clear mechanisms for fee collection, linking fees to the nature and type of cases, and developing collection tools that ensure efficiency and accuracy while reducing the financial burden on litigants . Approval of draft law and next session The council reviewed the various articles of the draft law, which aim to regulate judicial fees across all types of claims, documentation fees, electronic payment procedures, and general provisions related to partial or full exemptions and draft law was approved at the end of the session . At the close of the meeting, Al Jarwan announced that the next session will be held on Thursday, 19 June 2025. It will mark the closing session of the second ordinary term of the eleventh legislative chapter, during which the council will discuss its recommendations regarding the Sharjah International Airport Authority and the dissolution decree for the current session .
Gulf Today
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Sharjah enters a new judicial era as the Judicial Authority Law comes into effect
The emirate of Sharjah has officially begun implementing Law No. (7) of 2025 concerning the regulation of judicial authority, following its issuance by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This law represents an important milestone in enhancing judicial independence, ensuring fair litigation, and upholding the principles of justice across the emirate. The legislation affirms that access to justice is a guaranteed right for all, and explicitly prohibits any form of interference with judicial proceedings. It makes sure that all individuals are equal before the law, and that every person is entitled to impartial legal proceedings without discrimination. The law maintains the right to defense at all stages of investigation and trial and preserves the full independence of judges, stating that they are only bound by the Constitution. This emphasises how the honour, integrity, and impartiality of judicial officers are fundamental to protecting rights and freedoms. Senior judicial officials in Sharjah stressed that the newly enacted Judicial Authority Law represents a historic moment in the emirate's legal system. The law, which reflects the vision of Sheikh Sultan, aims to establish a comprehensive and integrated legal framework built on principles of justice, transparency, and institutional efficiency. It strengthens the foundations of judicial governance by clearly defining institutional structures, simplifying legal processes, and adopting advanced technologies that are in line with international standards. With roles and responsibilities specified, the law consolidates the judiciary's independence and enhances the coordination between the Judicial Council, Judicial Department, Public Prosecution, and courts. These changes were made to further improve institutional performance, speed up the resolution of cases, and increase public trust in the legal system. Judge Dr Muhammad Obaid Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Sharjah Judicial Department, reiterated the department's commitment to developing the legal system and maintaining the rule of law, while complying with the directives of Sharjah's ruler. He noted that the Judicial Authority Law plays a major role in establishing a unified judicial system that reassures high levels of legal competence. Al Kaabi pointed out that as part of its implementation plan, the department has started updating internal procedures, upgrading digital infrastructure, and investing in the training of judicial staff to meet the demands of the next phase of development. He also highlighted that the law's provisions on transparent appointments, promotions, and inspections are vital to earning public confidence in the judiciary. Dr. Mansour Mohammed Bin Nassar, Chairman of the Sharjah Government Legal Department, described the new law as 'the result of the ongoing legislative efforts to create a legal framework that organises the emirate's judicial work and aligns with evolving legal developments.' He added that the law incorporates international best practices in judicial governance while taking into account the distinctive characteristics of the UAE's legal system. 'The law supports the modernisation of Sharjah's judiciary, with a focus on introducing digital tools and simplifying case management and legal procedures to create a more effective judicial system,' Nassar said. Sheikh Faisal bin Ali bin Abdullah Al Mualla, Secretary-General of Sharjah Court, said that the law reflects the emirate's determination to build a strong, yet future-ready legal framework. Al Mualla stated that the law not only illustrates the emirate's dedication to judicial excellence, but also encourages institutional collaboration and enhances the overall coherence of the legal system. According to Judge Ahmed Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of the Court of Cassation, the law restructures court hierarchies and jurisdictional roles, which reinforces the Court of Cassation's status as the highest judicial authority responsible for setting common legal principles and ensuring consistency in rulings. He explained that under the new legal framework, the court will continue to safeguard rights and adhere to the rule of law through its role in reviewing the interpretation and application of legislation. Counselor Anwar Amin Al Harmoudi, Attorney General and Chairman of the Public Prosecution, said that the enactment of the Judicial Authority Law can expand the public prosecution's function within the emirate's judicial system. He clarified that the law enforces the prosecution's role as a core component in protecting individual and societal rights along with achieving judicial fairness. Al Harmoudi remarked that the legislation provides a clear structure for the Public Prosecution, outlining its jurisdiction and powers. Under this law, the Public Prosecution is authorised to file and pursue criminal cases in court, appeal verdicts, and lead investigations. It may also delegate judicial officers, who carry out their duties under its direction and supervision. The Judicial Authority Law in Sharjah consists of 89 articles across nine chapters, covering areas such as courts, the Public Prosecution, Judicial Department, judicial personnel, Judicial Inspection Department, judge qualifications, and administrative competencies. It sets out the regulations for a progressive judicial system that conforms to Sharjah's development goals and serves the needs of its people.
