Court arguments to be submitted electronically

TDT | Manama

As part of the preventive and precautionary measures taken in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, courts in Bahrain will receive arguments electronically. This was confirmed in a press statement by Court of Cassation president and Supreme Judicial Council deputy chairman Councilor Abdullah bin Hassan Al Buainain, who also clarified that this is applicable starting on Sunday.

The Councilor said that these procedures would be considered as attendance, with the exception of criminal court sessions, which parties will be informed by the court about the scheduled dates of the trials. He also explained that all parties will be notified of the dates for the hearings via electronic means or mail, as applicable, adding that the procedure comes in consideration to reduce the number of hearings and cases in accordance with the approved court rescheduling plan.

Al Buainain added that screens have been installed outside the court halls to display the announced verdicts in cases, in cooperation with the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry. These help organise the attendance before the courts and to avoid all forms of assembly, in addition to a service to receive rulings and executive forms through the e-government portal. The Councilor valued the continuous cooperation with the Bahraini Lawyers Association and the general attorneys and litigants, by ensuring everyone’s commitment to the regulatory measures taken to contain spread of COVID-19 and to protect public health, in a manner that facilitates judicial procedures.