emirates7 - The Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) has approved a new draft law governing court fees in the emirate. This decision was taken during its sixteenth session, held at the SCC headquarters as part of the second regular term of its eleventh legislative cycle.
The session began with the ratification of the minutes from the previous (fifteenth) session, followed by discussions on the draft legislation and a corresponding report submitted by the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee. This report was based on in-depth studies and a series of specialised meetings.
Key attendees included Sheikh Faisal bin Ali bin Abdullah Al Mualla, Secretary-General of Sharjah’s Judicial Council; Dr Issa Saif bin Handal, Director of the Government’s Legal Department; Aisha Mohammed Hazeem Al Suwaidi, Director of Legislation; and Houria Mohammed Al Khayal, Director of Government Legal Services.
Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the SCC, noted that the draft law was submitted by the Executive Council’s General Secretariat on 15th May. In accordance with Article 71 of the SCC’s internal regulations, the draft was assigned to the legal committee for review and recommendations.
Al Jarwan explained that each article of the proposed law was examined in detail, with comments and suggestions taken into account, supported by a comparative table for analysis.
During the session, Dr Issa Saif bin Handal commended the council’s involvement and highlighted that the draft law complements the Judicial Authority Law, which came into effect on 1st June. This law establishes an independent judiciary in Sharjah, alongside its executive and legislative branches, reflecting the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to protect judicial independence and ensure the rule of law.
Dr Handal noted that the law outlines the framework for court fee structures, including collection processes, exemptions, and financial systems. It seeks to strike a balance between judicial efficiency and broader social and economic priorities, ensuring accessible, high-quality legal services.
Committee member Mohammed Saleh Al Ali presented the official report, which reviewed the legal framework, examined the law’s financial impact, and confirmed its consistency with existing legislation. The report concluded that the law would boost transparency, simplify financial procedures, and strengthen the relationship between litigants and the judiciary.
Committee Chairman Mohammed Ali Jaber Al Hammadi provided explanations on the proposed amendments aimed at improving the draft legislation.
Council members engaged in an in-depth discussion, offering insights and proposals related to legal and procedural aspects. Topics addressed included categorising fees by case type, improving collection tools, and reducing the financial burden on litigants.
The council ultimately approved the law’s comprehensive provisions, which cover various types of claims, documentation charges, electronic payment methods, and criteria for exemptions and refunds.
At the end of the session, Al Jarwan announced that the next and final session of the term will take place on Thursday, 19th June 2025. During this session, the council will review its recommendations regarding the Sharjah International Airport Authority and address the decree to dissolve the current legislative term.
The session began with the ratification of the minutes from the previous (fifteenth) session, followed by discussions on the draft legislation and a corresponding report submitted by the Legislative and Legal Affairs, Appeals, Suggestions and Complaints Committee. This report was based on in-depth studies and a series of specialised meetings.
Key attendees included Sheikh Faisal bin Ali bin Abdullah Al Mualla, Secretary-General of Sharjah’s Judicial Council; Dr Issa Saif bin Handal, Director of the Government’s Legal Department; Aisha Mohammed Hazeem Al Suwaidi, Director of Legislation; and Houria Mohammed Al Khayal, Director of Government Legal Services.
Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the SCC, noted that the draft law was submitted by the Executive Council’s General Secretariat on 15th May. In accordance with Article 71 of the SCC’s internal regulations, the draft was assigned to the legal committee for review and recommendations.
Al Jarwan explained that each article of the proposed law was examined in detail, with comments and suggestions taken into account, supported by a comparative table for analysis.
During the session, Dr Issa Saif bin Handal commended the council’s involvement and highlighted that the draft law complements the Judicial Authority Law, which came into effect on 1st June. This law establishes an independent judiciary in Sharjah, alongside its executive and legislative branches, reflecting the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to protect judicial independence and ensure the rule of law.
Dr Handal noted that the law outlines the framework for court fee structures, including collection processes, exemptions, and financial systems. It seeks to strike a balance between judicial efficiency and broader social and economic priorities, ensuring accessible, high-quality legal services.
Committee member Mohammed Saleh Al Ali presented the official report, which reviewed the legal framework, examined the law’s financial impact, and confirmed its consistency with existing legislation. The report concluded that the law would boost transparency, simplify financial procedures, and strengthen the relationship between litigants and the judiciary.
Committee Chairman Mohammed Ali Jaber Al Hammadi provided explanations on the proposed amendments aimed at improving the draft legislation.
Council members engaged in an in-depth discussion, offering insights and proposals related to legal and procedural aspects. Topics addressed included categorising fees by case type, improving collection tools, and reducing the financial burden on litigants.
The council ultimately approved the law’s comprehensive provisions, which cover various types of claims, documentation charges, electronic payment methods, and criteria for exemptions and refunds.
At the end of the session, Al Jarwan announced that the next and final session of the term will take place on Thursday, 19th June 2025. During this session, the council will review its recommendations regarding the Sharjah International Airport Authority and address the decree to dissolve the current legislative term.