Uzbekistan Passes Judges’ Status Bill in First Reading

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis has passed in its first reading a bill titled “On the Status of Judges.”

The bill would establish the legal status of judges through a separate law and introduce additional measures to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis said.

The draft proposes revising a number of requirements for candidates for judicial positions. In particular, the minimum age for judges and lay judges would be lowered from 35 to 30.

Under the bill, a judge would initially be appointed for a five-year term, followed by appointment for an indefinite term. At the same time, stricter requirements are proposed for candidates for positions as judges, court chairpersons and their deputies.

A separate section of the bill addresses social protection for judges and their family members. The legislation would also introduce the institution of a “retired judge” into national law.

Retired judges would be granted, among other rights, the opportunity to engage in professional mediation.

The bill also contains provisions aimed at improving the efficiency of the administrative offices of the Supreme Court and lower courts.

During the discussion, lawmakers noted that establishing the status of judges through a separate law is important for ensuring judicial independence and strengthening the legal and social protection of judges.

Following the meeting, the bill was approved in its first reading. Lawmakers decided to revise the document ahead of its second reading, taking into account the proposals and recommendations raised during the discussion.