Sharjah Consultative Council Approves Draft Law Regulating Court Fees For Enhanced Judicial Efficiency

The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) has endorsed a draft law concerning court fees in the emirate. This decision was reached during its sixteenth session at the SCC headquarters, part of the second ordinary term of the eleventh legislative chapter. The session commenced with the approval of the previous meeting's minutes, followed by discussions on the draft law and a report from the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee.

Present at the session 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 Sharjah's Government; Aisha Mohammed Hazeem Al Suwaidi, Director of Legislation; and Houria Mohammed Al Khayal, Director of Government Legal Services. Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, SCC Secretary-General, mentioned that on 15th May, the Executive Council's General Secretariat referred the draft law to the council.

Dr Issa Saif bin Handal highlighted that each article would be reviewed individually. Comments would be considered for amendments using a comparative table. He praised the council’s involvement and emphasised that this law supports Sharjah’s judicial system. The draft complements an existing Judicial Authority Law effective from 1st June, establishing an independent judicial authority alongside executive and legislative bodies.

The law aims to regulate court fee structures by addressing collection procedures, exemptions, and financial mechanisms. It seeks to balance judicial efficiency with social and economic considerations while ensuring access to quality services. Mohammed Saleh Al Ali from the committee presented a report reviewing legal provisions and assessing financial implications. The report confirmed that this law aligns with existing legislation.

Mohammed Ali Jaber Al Hammadi, Chairman of the committee, clarified proposed amendments intended to enhance the draft law. Council members engaged in detailed discussions about legal and procedural issues. They offered observations on linking fees to case types, developing efficient collection tools, and ensuring mechanisms that minimise burdens on litigants.

Approval Process

The council examined and approved provisions covering all claim types, documentation fees, electronic payment systems, exemptions, and refunds. At session end, Al Jarwan announced that the next final session will occur on Thursday, 19th June 2025. During this session, recommendations on Sharjah International Airport Authority will be reviewed along with discussing a dissolution decree for the current term.

Dr Handal stated that this initiative aligns with H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision to safeguard judicial independence while upholding rule of law. The draft law is designed to enhance transparency by streamlining financial procedures and reinforcing relationships between litigants and judiciary.

Al Jarwan noted that according to Article 71 of SCC’s internal regulations, it was assigned to a legal committee for study and input. This ensures thorough examination before implementation. The council’s engagement reflects its commitment towards maintaining an integrated judicial system within Sharjah's governance framework.

With inputs from WAM