80% of Civil Judgments Upheld in Bahrain

Judicial Review Confirms Strength of Bahrain’s Civil Courts

Mahir Haneef

TDT| Manama

A comprehensive evaluation of Bahrain’s civil courts has revealed that more than 80% of judgments delivered in over 1,500 cases have been upheld on appeal. The review, conducted by the Judicial Inspection Office under Judge Abdulrahman Al-Sayed Mohammed Al-Mualla, highlights the judiciary’s adherence to principles of justice and the consistent application of legal standards.

The performance review, carried out within the framework of the Supreme Judicial Council’s Access to Justice Programme, assessed judicial rulings across a range of legal fields, including civil, commercial, labour, family, criminal, and bankruptcy law. Specialised evaluation frameworks were employed to ensure each area’s unique standards were addressed.

Judge Al-Mualla, who also serves as Deputy at the Court of Cassation, noted that the evaluation focused on key performance indicators such as the legal and administrative competencies of judges, the efficiency of case resolution, and the consistency of appellate decisions. This rigorous process enabled the Judicial Inspection Office to identify areas of strength within the judiciary, as well as opportunities for improvement.

“The findings underline the judiciary’s commitment to delivering high-quality decisions aligned with established legal principles,” Judge Al-Mualla said, adding that the assessment serves as a foundation for targeted training programmes. These initiatives, developed in collaboration with the Judicial and Legal Studies Institute (JLSI), aim to enhance judges’ and court staff’s professional capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the legal system.

In a bid to further enhance transparency and accessibility, the Supreme Judicial Council has also introduced an online system allowing litigants to submit complaints directly to the Judicial Inspection Department. The platform aims to improve communication, accountability, and efficiency in judicial processes, reinforcing public trust in the system.

Judge Al-Mualla described these evaluations as instrumental in maintaining high standards within the judiciary, offering insights into both achievements and areas requiring development. “Continuous progress is vital to enhancing public confidence in Bahrain’s judiciary,” he emphasised, underscoring the ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence.

The review forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and reflects Bahrain’s dedication to a fair and efficient legal system.