Kuwait tightens penalties for officials who refuse to implement court verdicts
Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait revealed that over nearly ten years, 84 cases were referred to court for failing to implement final rulings against certain state agencies and public employees, with 68 resulting in convictions.
Addressing practical issues in implementing judicial rulings—including slow administrative procedures and abuse of authority—Al-Sumait explained that Article 58 bis of the Penal Code has been amended to enhance enforcement.
The warning period before legal action has been extended from 30 to 90 days, and fines for non-compliance now range from 3,000 to 20,000 dinars, reports Al-Rai daily.
Abuse of power carries fines between 2,000 and 10,000 dinars, while dismissal from office is now left to the discretion of the court.
According to the Ministry’s electronic records, from 2015 to September 30, 2025, a total of 1,614,104 judgments were registered, including 655,994 appellate rulings.
During the same period, 113,314 cases were filed against the state. Complaints submitted to the Public Prosecution for non-implementation totaled 2,734.
Al-Sumait noted that most delays are due to slow documentation cycles and misuse of authority, which the amendment addresses by introducing electronic notifications, a defined warning period, and higher fines.
The amended Article 58 bis outlines three types of penalties for public employees who fail to comply with rulings:
Imprisonment up to two years and a fine of 3,000 to 20,000 dinars, or one of these penalties, for failure to implement a ruling.
Imprisonment up to one year and a fine of 2,000 to 10,000 dinars, or one of these penalties, for abuse of power obstructing implementation.
Optional dismissal from office at the court’s discretion, with the criminal case expiring upon execution of the ruling.
Al-Sumait emphasized that the amendments focus on financial deterrence rather than solely imprisonment. The law also incorporates technological tools by adopting electronic warnings and extends the three-month grace period for compliance before legal action, providing officials with an opportunity to correct administrative lapses.
The minister concluded that the revised Article 58 bis strengthens enforcement, aligns penalties with modern administrative practices, and ensures respect for judicial rulings across government agencies.
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