Legislative Chamber Approves Draft Law on Reform of Economic and Administrative Courts in First Reading

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis has reviewed in the first reading a draft law aimed at creating more convenient conditions for citizens and entrepreneurs when accessing economic and administrative courts.

The law proposes amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, the Economic Procedure Code, the Code on Administrative Procedure, as well as to the Laws “On Courts” and “On State Fees.”

Among the key innovations is the introduction of a mechanism for extraterritorial jurisdiction. In administrative proceedings, a party will be able to choose the court in which the case will be heard, while in economic cases jurisdiction will be determined based on an agreement between the parties. The selection of the specific court will be facilitated through an automated information system, simplifying the process and reducing bureaucratic procedures.

To enhance the efficiency of economic courts, the draft law provides for optimization of their structure and the establishment of uniform judicial practices. In particular, interdistrict, district, and city-level economic courts will be abolished, with interdistrict economic courts organized in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the city of Tashkent, and regional centers.

The law also stipulates the refund of state fees if a claim is dismissed due to the case being subject to debtor insolvency proceedings.

The drafters emphasized that foreign experience was thoroughly studied during the preparation of the law. The measures are aimed at reducing excessive bureaucracy in court proceedings, lowering corruption risks, and improving the quality and effectiveness of judicial decisions.

Following the session, deputies approved the draft law in the first reading.