Supreme Court proposes to establish specialised commercial courts

The move is expected to boost the country’s overall economic growth

The Supreme Court has proposed the establishment of specialised commercial courts nationwide.

According to a Supreme Court media statement, the proposal was sent on Monday to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to enhance the investment environment by making it more dynamic and transparent, resolving trade disputes quickly and effectively.

This is expected to boost confidence among domestic and foreign investors and accelerate the country’s overall economic growth.

The statement said the proposal seeks to bring disputes related to different areas of business, banks, financial institutions and traders, from general transactions to import-export activities, aviation and shipping, construction and infrastructure projects, franchise agreements, distribution and licensing, technology development, trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs, domain names, geographical indications, insurance and partnership agreements, financial institutions, service sectors, and shareholders or joint ventures under the jurisdiction of specialised commercial courts.

It added that the proposal calls for appointing commercial court judges from district judges and for forming a commercial appeal bench in the High Court division by the chief justice.

Mediation is made mandatory before filing a case, to settle many disputes out of court and significantly reduce the increasing pressure of cases on the courts.

The proposal emphasises completing trial proceedings within a set timeframe to make the process fast and effective, requiring the final hearing to be finished within 90 days and allowing for summary trials to prevent unnecessary delays.

It also highlights the development of infrastructure necessary for the establishment and functioning of commercial courts, training for judges and lawyers, and continuous professional development.