Cabinet approves hike in judicial fees

The Council of Ministers has approved a draft decree-law to amend key provisions of Law No. (17) of 1973 concerning judicial fees.

The amendment includes raising the amounts collected by the state from litigants for using judicial services, reports Al-Rai daily.

This step aims to deter the growing number of frivolous and malicious lawsuits, ensuring that the right to litigation is exercised seriously. It also encourages parties to consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and conciliation.

In its weekly session chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, the Cabinet also approved another draft decree-law amending the Penal Code (Law No. 16 of 1960) by introducing two new articles — (259 bis) and (259 bis A) — to strengthen the protection of the educational system, particularly during intermediate and secondary examinations.

Article (259 bis) criminalizes acts such as printing, distributing, broadcasting, promoting, selling, or leaking exam questions or answers — whether for public or private educational institutions — when done with the intent to cheat or disrupt the exam process. The penalty for such actions includes imprisonment of not less than two years and up to five years, and/or a fine between 1,000 and 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars.

Article (259 bis A) targets tampering with students’ exam answers or grades without legitimate justification. Offenders may face imprisonment for up to seven years and/or fines ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 Kuwaiti dinars.

These legal amendments aim to preserve the credibility and fairness of the academic system and prevent violations that could jeopardize students’ educational and professional futures.

The Council also reiterated its ongoing commitment to follow up on the implementation of national development projects and pledged to mobilize all necessary resources to address any obstacles that may delay progress.